Nairobi City Thunder don start preparation for di Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 afta dem complete third straight unbeaten Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) League title. Di champions seal di crown on Friday night for Kasarani with 74-70 Game 3 victory over Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), closing out di best-of-five final 3-0.
Di series open with dramatic 78-67 overtime win on September 26, when Eugene Adera hit three-pointer with two seconds wey remain for regulation to force extra period. Thunder outscore KPA 19-8 for overtime before dem back am up with 72-63 win for Game 2 for Makande Gymnasium on September 27, wia Ongwae score 20 points, Derrick Ogechi add 18 and Adera contribute 11.
For di decider, KPA lead 27-18 afta opening quarter and 35-29 for halftime before Thunder take control with 24-13 third quarter to edge ahead 53-48. Captain Tylor Ongwae lead Thunder with 24 points and 14 rebounds, Garang Diing add 15 points and six rebounds, Ogechi post 13 points and Adera finish with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Salim Kisilu lead KPA with 17 points.
Head coach Brad Ibs praise im players' resilience afta dem overturn di early deficit.
Na very intense series and KPA be very competitive team throughout di season. We get financial training sessions two times and dat boost di morale of these players. Financial management na one of di things wey fit derail your life as player.
Ibs tok.
