Kenya Ports Authority and Equity Hawks opened their WBLA Zone Five qualifiers in Tanzania with defeats against Rwandan opponents, leaving both clubs seeking a response in their second group fixtures.
In Group A, KPA lost 95-79 to Rwanda's REG despite a strong fightback. The Mombasa-based side trailed 26-20 after the opening quarter, then produced a 24-13 second-period run to lead 44-39 at halftime. They edged the third quarter 23-21 and held a seven-point advantage entering the final period, before REG rallied to secure the win. KPA face DYN next.
Equity Hawks struggled in Group B, falling 91-56 to APR after losing all four quarters. The Kenyan side trailed 18-9 after the first period and went into the break 40-26 down, having conceded the second quarter 22-17. APR tightened their grip after halftime, taking the third 20-9 and closing out a 31-21 final period. Equity Hawks meet Burundi's Les Hippos in their second match.
