Returning United States International University Tigers coach David Maina expects his team to make adjustments as they grow into the season.
Bottom-placed Tigers blanked Strathmore University Blades 61-57 in a Kenya Basketball Federation League clash at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, their second win in four matches.
The veteran tactician is not new at USIU, having handled the Tigers for seven years before moving to Equity Bank, where he won two national titles.
“It was not a bad game. I am happy with how we started. We led in the first two quarters before we lost control in the third. But we recovered well in the fourth to bag the points,” said Maina.
He, however, observed that a lot needs to be done to guarantee Premier League success.
“It was not one of their best games, which suggests that a lot of work will have to be put in to polish the team. We will work hard to establish a winning streak,” said Maina, who also had a stint in charge of reigning champions Kenya Ports Authority teams.
“We also understand that the team is not playing in Division One and that things will be a little bit different. We will inject some new things as the competition is a bit tighter. But I am happy they are eager to learn,” he said.
Africa Nazarene University (ANU) Wolfpacks dismissed Kenyatta University 71-59 in another tie. This was the Rongai-based students’ second win in seven games. They have nine points.
“We played well although we had a lot of mistakes in the third quarter. We need to work on that. We are growing gradually which is a step in the right direction. I believe we will perform even better in our next games,” said ANU coach Mike Oluoch.
Caleb Osewe’s KU are eighth on the log with just one win in seven attempts.
“We controlled the game throughout but lost at the last minute. I have taken the loss positively since the team has tremendously improved. We expect good results very soon,” said Osewe.
In the lower Division, Strathmore University fell 86-67 to Zetech University as Little Prince hit Feba 65-39. A women’s encounter saw Footprints wallop Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 47-8.
