Basketball: Ulinzi eye double wins, Strathmore face ANU in varsity derby

The soldiers will be facing the bankers on Saturday before meeting the students on Sunday at the Nyayo Gymnasium, Nairobi.

“They are some of the pretty fast teams, so we have to adjust on how we play and dictate the pace of the game. So far, training has been okay and we are happy we have a full squad to choose from.

“I am hoping we will play well, have minimal mistakes and take advantage of the mistakes our opponents are going to make. We hope to get favourable results as we prepare for the second leg,” said Mufutu.

Ulinzi, who defeated home side Eldonets Platinum last weekend, have so far played nine matches, winning five and losing four and so far have 14 points with two games to go in the first leg.

Elsewhere, Strathmore Blades head coach Tony Ochieng is looking forward to a tough match when they play ANU Wolfpacks in a varsity derby at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Saturday.

“ANU will be a cracker, a very hard game. This is a university derby and we know all the teams match up in terms of energy, endurance, skills but we will be ready for them. They have some pretty good shooters, quick guards so we just want to handle them individually’’ I know they press a lot so we have to plan on how to counter their pressing,” said Ochieng.

Nevertheless, Ochieng is optimistic of becoming the victor.

“We played them last week during the KUSA games and we know their weakness, we know our strength. Even though I will be missing my two key players who are nursing injuries, my players are really focused and ready to face them,” he added.

Ochieng has pointed out how they are going to approach the game as they aim to climb to position six on the log after the game.

“The players off the bench will need some good energy from them and we really want to play big in terms of good zoning to prevent them from penetration. My players are really looking forward to that match and we are still within our targets,” Ochieng said.

Strathmore Blades have so far played eight games, winning three and losing five with 11 points currently while ANU Wolfpacks have played a similar number of matches winning four and losing three with 11 points.

Friday 21, March 2025

Nairobi City Thunder VS KPA- MP- 8PM

Saturday 22, March 2025

USIU Flames VS The Swish- WP- 10:30AM

Zetech Sparks VS Safe Spaces – WP- 12PM

Equity Hawks VS Storms- WP-2PM

Strathmore Blades VS ANU Wolfpacks- MP- 4PM

NBK Phoenix VS Ulinzi Warriors- MP- 6PM

Sunday 23, March 2025

Stanbic Aces VS USIU Flames- WP- 12PM

Equity Hawks VS Strathmore Swords- WP- 2PM

USIU Tigers VS UON Terror- MP- 4PM

ANU Wolfpacks VS Ulinzi Warriors- MP- 6PM