City Thunder edge determined Dumas in KNBL playoffs opener

Nairobi City Thunder basketball team won Game One of the semi-final playoffs by thrashing heavyweights Equity Dumas 79-77 in the Kenya National Basketball men's Premier League Friday night at the Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi.

It was a closely contested  tie at the fully packed gymnasium, but Thunder kept their cool to keep their fine run showcased throughout this season.

Thunder led the opening quarter 18-16, while the second ended 25-20, thus establishing a 43-36 half time lead.

Both teams were impressive off the break, drawing the third quarter 19-19 before Thunder claimed another win of 17-12 in the last quarter, to ensure the two-point gap.

Thunder point-guard and team captain Griffins Ligare was at his best, scoring a team-high 15 points as Albert Odero and Garang Diing added an impressive 27  points combined. 

Despite the win, Thunder head coach Brad Ibs admitted that it was not a walk in the park.

"It was very competitive match, very intense game but I am happy we managed to get the win. We need to work on our defense as we plan to play game two on Sunday," Ibs said 

On his part, Equity Dumas head coach Carrey Odhiambo applauded his players despite losing.

"We played well as we all saw it was a very competitive match. We now need to work on our mistakes to avoid defeat in game two," Odhiambo said.

The two teams will face each other again on Sunday for Game Two.