KNBL: Coach Mufutu calls Ulinzi Warriors to focus after mixed weekend results

Ulinzi Warriors head coach Bernard Mufutu has issued a stern warning to his squad against complacency in the National Basketball League (KNBL), following a weekend of contrasting performances.

The soldiers narrowly lost 70-68 to defending champions Nairobi City Thunder on Friday, before bouncing back with an 81-65 win over Eldonets Platinum on Sunday.

“The boys put in the effort that was needed. They started playing well but we still need to play consistently at a high level. We are having some lapses that are resulting in costly baskets for the opponents. Nevertheless, the boys are gelling well and I hope they keep up the focus and take it one game at a time,” Mufutu said.

Ulinzi currently sit on 28 points from 17 matches, with 11 wins and six losses.

Ulinzi had a shaky start, losing the first quarter 17-24, but roared back in the second with a dominant 29-9 performance to head into halftime with a 46-33 lead.

The soldiers maintained their momentum in the third quarter, defeating Eldonets 16-12, before narrowly losing the final quarter 19-20, just enough to seal a convincing 81-65 win.

Elisha Odhiambo led from the front with a team-high 19 points, while the trio of David Kitongo, Collins Muliro, and Simon Rapudo combined for 37 points to power Ulinzi to victory.

On the other end, Clifford Mumbo and Neville Otieno stood out for Eldonets, contributing 20 and 18 points respectively.

Weekend Results

Nairobi City Thunder 70-68 Ulinzi Warriors – MP

The Swish 47-54 Stanbic Aces – MP

Storms 35-50 Eldoents- WP – 4PM

Stanbic Shields 65-52 ANU Wolfpacks – MP

KPA 64-34 USIU Flames – WP

KPA 65-53 USIU Tigers – MP

Umoja 75-79 NBK Phoenix – MP

Ulinzi Warriors 81-65 Eldonets- MP

KPA 64-47 Equity Hawks- WP

KPA 74-49 Equity Dumas- MP