Strathmore Blades seek KNBL comeback against KPA in Mombasa

Strathmore Blades head coach Tony Ochieng remains confident his side can turn the tide against heavyweights Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their Kenya National Basketball League quarter-final playoff series.

The Blades fell 61-77 to the Dockers in Game One in Nairobi last weekend, leaving them in a high-stakes, must-win scenario. To advance to the semifinals, the students need back-to-back victories in Mombasa.

Game Two tips off at the Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa on Saturday, with a potential series-deciding Game Three slated for Sunday at the same venue.

Ochieng insists his team have analysed the errors from the opener and are fully prepared to take on the nine-time league champions.

“As a team, we are always ready to face technically good opponents. They are a very strong team, and all their positions are well covered. We know it will be a tough match, but we are going to do our best.

“We have been training hard, identified the areas we need to rectify, and watched the video several times to understand where we need to improve. We are ready for the challenge.”

The tactician singled out perimeter defence and frontcourt production as critical factors for survival, calling on his team to stifle KPA's lethal outside shooting and demanding a stronger presence inside.

“We need to stop their three-point shooting and contain them. Our big men also need to stay on the court and contribute throughout the game. The court efficiency of some of our big men was not very impressive, and that is an area we need to improve.

“We also need to improve our shooting. If we can address all these areas, I believe we can force Game Three on Sunday and then see how it goes.”

Meanwhile, KPA require just one victory from the next two fixtures to secure their spot in the final four and will aim to close out the series swiftly on Saturday.

The series winner will advance to face either Equity Dumas or Umoja in the semifinals. Those two rivals clash in a decisive Game Three at the Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi on Friday after splitting the opening two games.