Strathmore University Blades will go all out to eliminate United States International University in the Kenya National Basketball League playoffs at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium on Saturday.
Coach Tony Ochieng’ said his boys, who finished sixth in the 12-team standings, want to win this all-varsity tie more. They lead the three-game series 1-0 after an 82-51 opening win.
“We want to it more. We want to control the game and go full throttle. If we control the boards, command defence and execute, then it will go in our favour,” Ochieng’ said.
His counterpart, David Maina — who, against all odds guided the Tigers to third on the standings, is cautious but said the team preparations have gone well ahead of this cliffhanger.
“We had many errors in Game One. We plan we reduce these mistakes and improve on our efficiency,” said Maina.
The other matches will see USIU Flames take on Strathmore University Swords. Flames took Game One with a convincing 65-44 win.
“We have trained well and want to see how this one goes. We split the regular season games 1-1 and can’t take anything for granted,” said USIU coach George Mayienga.
Swords’ veteran tactician, Ronny Owino, said they need to play better defence to stop Flames early fire.
“They scored nine three-pointers against us. We will have to reduce the turnovers,” Owino noted.
If they tie at 1-1, the teams will meet again on Sunday in the decisive Game Three.
The winners will join Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) teams and Nairobi City Thunder in the semis.
The KPA teams dispatched Africa Nazarene University sides and Thunder shocked the Terrorists.
