Blades coach Ochieng calls for consistency after snapping KBF poor run

Strathmore Blades head coach Tony Ochieng has lauded his team's hard-fought 74-70 victory over Umoja in the Kenya National Basketball League men’s premier division match at the Nyayo Gymnasium over the weekend.

The win pushed the students to eight points from six matches, with two wins and four losses.

“The boys gave it their all. We dominated three quarters and managed to control the game,” Ochieng said.

“We were very strong on rebounds, our execution on open shots and free throws was solid, and the energy from our bench players made a big difference.”

Defeating an in-form Umoja side, who had just beaten league giants Ulinzi Warriors and Equity Dumas, was no easy task. However, Ochieng believes their disciplined approach and adherence to the game plan made the difference.

“We had a strategy in place. We knew they excel in fast breaks, so we had to shut down their transition play,” he explained.

“They had excellent shot selection, particularly in the second quarter, but we adjusted, tightened our defence in the third quarter, and forced them into tough shots. Our free throw accuracy was also a key factor in that period.”

Ochieng also praised his team’s recent progress as they prepare for their next challenge, a clash against defending champions Nairobi City Thunder later this week.

“We’re in a rebuilding phase, and injuries have affected us, but the players are catching up well,” he said. “Now, our focus shifts to facing Thunder on Friday.”

Despite the loss, Umoja remained at the top of the standings with 10 points, having won four of their six matches.