• BASKETBALL

• Frank Rotich 25 days ago

Unbeaten Nairobi City Thunder close in on third straight KBF title

Nairobi City Thunder are one win away from completing a third consecutive unbeaten Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League championship after taking a 2-0 lead over Kenya Ports Authority in the playoff final.

Thunder secured two crucial victories at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa over the weekend, winning Game One 78-67 in overtime before claiming Game Two 72-63 on Sunday.

The defending champions were forced to work hard for their opening victory after Eugene Adera hit a three-pointer with two seconds remaining in regulation to level the scores at 59-59.

Thunder then dominated overtime, outscoring KPA 19-8 to take the first game.

Game Two was another closely contested affair, with Thunder leading 39-35 at halftime before KPA responded in the third quarter to take a narrow 52-51 advantage.

Thunder, however, produced a strong fourth-quarter performance, outscoring KPA 21-11 to secure the nine-point victory and take a commanding series lead.

Captain Tylor Ongwae led Thunder's scoring with 20 points, while Derrick Ogechi added 18. Adera contributed 11 points, with Tom “Bush” Wamukota finishing with six points and four rebounds.

KPA were led by Trevor Opiyo with 13 points, while Cedric Tsangue scored 12 and Lennox Wanje added 10.

Thunder head coach Brad Ibs praised his players for their resilience and teamwork, despite some players battling illness during the weekend.

The two wins leave Thunder one victory away from another unbeaten championship campaign.

Game Three is scheduled for Friday, October 2, at the Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium in Nairobi, where Thunder will have the opportunity to close out the best-of-five series on home court.

Thunder are sponsored by I&M Bank with a KSh10 million sponsorship this season.