Zetech Sparks extinguish USIU Flames to move top of KBF log

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 - Zetech Sparks stormed top of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women's Premier League after a 52-21 whitewash of hitherto top USIU Flames at the Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium on Sunday.

National team player Madina Okot starred for Zetech with a game high 17 points, as last year's losing finalists remained on course for another historic season.

Head coach Maurice Obilo was delighted with the performance of his team, and believes they are well on course to go all the way to the final once again.

"We did really well and managed the game well. Of course the ambition first of all is to secure a play-off slot and we are well on course for that. We want to get into the final once again definitely. It has been a tougher season but now that gives us a challenge to try and do things differently," Obilo told Capital Sport after the game.

Zetech remain unbeaten so far this season after 12 matches, and have accumulated 24 points. They are two points ahead of champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who have however played a match less.

Flames were top before playing Zetech, as they are on 24 points. They have however played 14 matches, with 10 wins and four losses.

Assistant coach David Maina has blamed injuries for their defeat, saying they had to ask some of the players to play beyond the pain barrier.

"We are really shorthanded because most of the key players have injuries and we had to ask some of them to try and play through. We played against a very tough Zetech side and we were not at our best. But overall, we are pleased with how we have performed especially noting that we were just recently promoted," said the coach.

Hilda Indasi, who rejoined USIU from KPA starred for the team, contributing to slightly more than half of their haul of 21. She had 11 points.

"Hilda has brought some really good experience into the team and we trust that she will be a good addition to the team," Maina added.

Zetech were efficient from the word go and led 17-10 at the end of the first quarter. Okot was a menace on either board as she picked up both offensive and defensive rebounds to ensure her team were off to a good start.

Indasi scored eight of USIU's 10 from the opening quarter, Tanzanian Judith Pantaleo adding two more points from a lay up.

The second quarter was even more dominant from Zetech, as they had 10 points with USIUA managing none. They had dropped the tempo going up top, with the work on the rims being less clean, but were more effective on the fast breaks.

USIU had more opportunities with an improved performance in the third quarter, Indasi being their drive from deep down, but their conversion rate was the biggest undoing. Zetech dominated the duel, to pick their 12 win of the season.