Nairobi City Thunder have begun preparations for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 after completing a third consecutive unbeaten Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) League title. The champions sealed the crown on Friday night at Kasarani with a 74-70 Game 3 victory over Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), closing out the best-of-five final 3-0.
The series opened with a dramatic 78-67 overtime win on September 26, when Eugene Adera hit a three-pointer with two seconds left in regulation to force the extra period. Thunder outscored KPA 19-8 in overtime before backing it up with a 72-63 win in Game 2 at Makande Gymnasium on September 27, where Ongwae scored 20 points, Derrick Ogechi added 18 and Adera contributed 11.
In the decider, KPA led 27-18 after the opening quarter and 35-29 at halftime before Thunder took control with a 24-13 third quarter to edge ahead 53-48. Captain Tylor Ongwae led Thunder with 24 points and 14 rebounds, Garang Diing added 15 points and six rebounds, Ogechi posted 13 points and Adera finished with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Salim Kisilu led KPA with 17 points.
Head coach Brad Ibs praised his players' resilience after overturning the early deficit.
It was a very intense series and KPA were a very competitive season. We had financial training sessions two times and that boosted the morale of these players. Financial management is one of the things that can derail your life as a player.
Ibs said.
