Late surge seals Ulinzi Warriors' victory over USIU in KNBL clash

Ulinzi Warriors emerged victorious with a narrow 49-46 win over USIU Flames in a nerve-wrecking Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) showdown played at the Nyayo National Indoor Basketball Arena.

The high-stakes encounter saw Ulinzi overcome a shaky start to secure a crucial victory, boosting their hopes of breaking into the league's top four.

Despite early struggles and missed opportunities, the Warriors showcased resilience, clawing their way back into contention with a dominant third-quarter performance.

USIU came out firing, capitalizing on Ulinzi’s sluggishness in the opening quarters.

Joshua Athiang was the driving force for USIU, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 21 points.

Supported by the dynamic duo of Patrick Otango and Darlyntom Kisivuli, the students displayed impressive tactical discipline and offensive flair.

However, Ulinzi refused to back down. Led by Churchill Odhiambo, who posted 16 points, the Warriors found their rhythm in the third quarter and consecutive two-point shots fueled their comeback, shifting the momentum and keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The final quarter was a tense affair, with both teams trading baskets in a fierce battle for supremacy. Ulinzi's defensive tenacity and timely scoring proved decisive as they held off a late USIU surge to clinch the win by a slim three-point margin.

The victory saw Ulinzi Warriors climb to fifth in the league standings, with their sights firmly set on breaking into the top four.

Meanwhile, USIU remain in third place, aiming to close the gap on league leaders, Nairobi City Thunder.

With the KNBL season heating up, both teams will look to build on their performances as the race for playoff spots intensifies.