Inexperience costly as Strathmore Blades suffer double KNBL defeat

The students suffered back-to-back defeats, falling 84-72 to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) before going down 87-72 to Equity Dumas at Nyayo Gymnasium and the USIU Grounds respectively.

Despite the losses, Ochieng praised his players for their fighting spirit and ability to compete against some of the league's top sides.

"It was a big blow for us, considering that we were playing two tough teams. I was very proud of how we played. We really contained everything and dominated stretches of the game on both offense and defense, but experience played a very big part for our opponents," said Ochieng.

The tactician noted that his charges adapted well to different defensive setups and showed encouraging signs despite ending the weekend empty-handed.

"The boys adjusted very well. We managed to beat their zone and man-to-man defense, and they really put up a good show,” he added.

Ochieng acknowledged that experience and decision-making proved decisive in both defeats but remained optimistic that his youthful side would learn from the setbacks and continue improving.

“It's just a matter of adjusting to the demands of the game, but the boys are working on the weak areas that we need to improve, especially decision-making, which I think was a major factor against Equity Dumas," he added.

Looking ahead, Ochieng called for better scheduling and venue arrangements, particularly when basketball and volleyball fixtures are held simultaneously in the evening at the same venue.

"It's time to move on and plan for the next matches. My request is that whenever we are playing evening games and the volleyball league is also taking place, an alternative venue should be considered so that we avoid the situation that occurred over the weekend where we had to finish a Saturday game on Sunday," he said.

The double setback leaves Strathmore with valuable lessons to take forward as they seek to bounce back in their upcoming league fixtures.