Ulinzi fend off KPA to force championship deciding Game 5

Defending champions Ulinzi Warriors held off Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 57-48 to even their playoff final series at 2-2 and force a Game 5 that will determine the national champion on Monday in Nairobi.

Victory on Sunday would have seen KPA reclaim the Kenya Basketball Federation men’s title but Ulinzi were in ruthless mood at the at Nyayo Gymnasium, sweeping to a 33-16 lead at half time.

KPA staged a rejuvenated third quarter but narrowly lost 14-15 before winning the last quarter 18-09 but Ulinzi's bright start proved critical as it helped them close out the game 57-48 at the final buzzer.

Eric Mutoro put in a captain’s performance to inspire Ulinzi who had lost the previous two games of the series and were critically lacking in momentum.

Head coach William Balozi attributed their turnaround in the penultimate fixture to the ability of this players to revert to fundamental basketball a feat he hopes will help them claim the title decider tomorrow.

"I discussed with my players on the need to rediscover our momentum and am happy they did exactly that.

“For tomorrow we will be keep to have a good start that will give us a good chance to emergency victorious at the end of the game," Balozi said.  

KPA tactician Sammy Kiki seemed relaxed despite the missed opportunity to end the series after four games.

While outlining their ploy for Monday, Kiki insisted on the need for his big men to stick to their plan on interior defense and denying their opponents second chance points.

"We always struggle in games that we start slowly and today was no different. 

"Our defense did not function as expected and our chemistry was wanting both in the front and back court.

"We will have to go back to the drawing board and analyze our errors before tomorrow's games but we are confident of our chances."

Game 5 will tip off at 2.00pm on Monday at Nyayo Gymnasium.