Equity Hawks overcome Zetech, storm playoff semis

Equity Hawks have sealed their place in the semifinals of the National Women’s Basketball Premier League playoffs after completing a 2-0 quarterfinal series sweep over Zetech Sparks.

The bankers cruised to a commanding 96-37 victory in Game Two at Nyayo Gymnasium, Nairobi, a day after winning the opening game 75-38 to wrap up the best-of-three series.

Equity dominated from the opening whistle, taking the first quarter 22-04 before adding a 23-04 advantage in the second to head into the halftime break with a commanding 45-08 lead.

The Ben Oluoch-coached side maintained their dominance after the restart, winning the third quarter 29-16 before closing out the game with a 22-13 fourth-quarter victory.

Equity will now face Stanbic Aces in the semifinals, with the latter already one win away from securing their place in the last four after receiving a walkover in Game One against Eldonets in Eldoret last weekend.

Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are also one win away from the semifinals after beating Safe Spaces 96-54 in Game One. The Dockers will host Safe Spaces in Game Two tomorrow at Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa.

Strathmore Swords, meanwhile, face a tough task against TH3 Swish after narrowly winning Game One 80-78. The two sides will meet again tomorrow in Game Two.

In the men’s final, giants and former champions Kenya Ports Authority will host defending champions Nairobi City Thunder in Games One and Two at Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa, tomorrow and Sunday respectively.

Thunder will then host Game Three, and if necessary Games Four and Five, in Nairobi next weekend.

Thunder are seeking to win the championship for the third consecutive time, while KPA are determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2023.