KPA defy Ulinzi Warriors' missiles to snatch league trophy

Kenya Ports Authority were on Monday evening crowned the Kenya Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League champions for the 2021/22 season after defeating Ulinzi Warriors 80-61 in a Game 5 thriller to complete a 3-2 victory at Nyayo Gymnasium.

The Dockers were in impervious form winning the opening quarter 26-19 before establishing a 41-32 cushion into the break.

They showed no signs of slowing down in the second half as they opened a 20-point lead thanks to a 63-43 score line in the third quarter before closing out the tie 80-61 at the final buzzer.

While their display in Game 4 on Sunday had signs of a team suffering from fatigue, the 2019 champions KPA were a totally different side on Monday as they pushed Ulinzi in every possession.

Their excellent interior defense and rebounding inspired by big men Frank Ochieng, Job Byron and Martin Kitongo was pivotal to their scalp in the tie breaker as it helped them score a whopping 50 points in the paint while limiting their opponents to just 20 points throughout the game.

Head coach Sammy Kiki was also at his best, pulling the strings as he inspired his bench players to outscore their opponents 22-10 en route to reclaiming the title.

Shooting guard Ken Wachira who was named the finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) scored 15 points with a 33.3 percent efficiency from the perimeter while Job Byron scored a game high of 19 points.

Head coach Sammy Kiki showered his side with praises for impeccable display throughout the term, terming it as a reward for a successful season.

"At the beginning of the season we set an objective of winning the title and I’m happy we have achieved it.

"I salute my players for their sacrifices that helped us achieve our mission."

His Ulinzi Warriors counterpart William Balozi rued his side's inability to match their opponents in many aspects more so in fast-break-points, a weakness he said greatly contributed to their loss in the final game.

"They boxed out well and we're effective in scoring fast-breaks which is huge blow for us.

I congratulate them for their success but for us we'll embark on rebuilding for next season.

KPA will represent Kenya in the annual Basketball League Africa (BAL) next season thanks to their conquest of the domestic league.