Zetech get one over ANU in closely fought KBF div one series

In a closely fought Game One of Five in the men's division one league final, Job Munene's Zetech University held their own against a tough Africa Nazarene University (ANU) to pick a 79-73 win. 

The two sides have already gained promotion to the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) top tier league by virtue of making it to final but a championship, as well as bragging rights, is at stake. 

The university derby has always been heated, with both teams winning a match each in regular season, facing off in the final made the encounter even more heated. However, Mike Oluoch's men find themselves chasing the series after the first match. 

"We came prepared for this match, knowing it could go either way but my players are looking to seal the championship so they gave it their all. In the last quarter, I went for a squad rotation, resting my starters as I was confident we were in a position to protect our lead.

We still have a few mistakes to correct on going onto the second game and a win will give us confidence to win the series. We are not celebrating yet. This is a series against a tough opponent and anything is possible," said coach Munene. 

Elvis Hawi and Justin Timberlake powered ANU to a 19-18 lead in the first quarter combining for 11 points but Munene's men turned the tables in the second quarter scoring 17 against 13 to lead by four heading to the half time break. 

On resumption Marial James scored seven with Eric Odondo adding give as Zetech scored 20 against ANU's 15 to extend their advantage yo nine points at 47-56. 

With the match still within their reach, ANU attempted an unsuccessful comeback, scoring 26 points in the final stanza. Zetech responded with 23 of their own to protect their lead and take Game One. 

"Our defense was poor, we allowed them easy baskets and were not rotating on defense. We committed many turnovers and Zetech took full advantage of the mistakes we made to win the match. It was a close match and with no time to go back to training and work on our mistakes, we had to talk to the players and have them reduce on the mistakes and remain composed on the floor," offered coach Oluoch.