Equity Dumas bank on individual spark in do-or-die clash with Umoja

Equity Dumas head coach Joseph Lubarov remains confident his side can overcome Umoja in the decisive Game Three of their Kenya National Men’s Basketball Premier League quarter-final playoff series.

The two sides are tied 1-1 after splitting the opening two games, setting up a do-or-die encounter on Friday at Nyayo Gymnasium, Nairobi, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Equity Dumas won Game One 68-50 before Umoja bounced back to claim Game Two 62-58 and force the series into a decider.

Lubarov believes his charges have enough individual quality to edge their opponents, but insists they must improve their offensive execution and energy.

“I’m still in the camp that we’re the better team. I believe we have better individuals, and if we can combine the kind of offence we played in Game One with the kind of offence we displayed against them during the regular season, I think we can put everything together and produce a good game.

“I believe we are capable of winning. We have to give credit to Umoja for playing well with their backs against the wall, but after a few practices this week, we’ll be able to regroup, find a way to work together and come out with good energy,” said Lubarov.

The winner will face the winner between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Strathmore Blades in the semi-final playoffs.

The second semi-final playoff will pit defending champions Nairobi City Thunder against Stanbic Shields, with both teams booking their spots after sweeping their respective quarter-final playoff series 2–0.

KPA currently lead their series against Strathmore 1-0 and are set to host Games Two and Three at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa this weekend.