- Nairobi City Thunder defeated KPA 80-73 to end the first leg in style at Nyayo Gymnasium.
- City Thunder remain unbeaten in the Kenya Basketball League since last season.
- KPA dominated the first three quarters, but City Thunder’s strong final-quarter comeback forced overtime.
Nairobi City Thunder staged a remarkable comeback to close the first leg of the Kenya Basketball Federation league in style, edging past Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) with a 80-73 victory on Friday night at the Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium.
In their quest to end City Thunder’s unbeaten streak, KPA dominated the match from the outset.
They claimed the first quarter with a 14-25 lead, and despite a determined effort by City Thunder in the second quarter, which they won 13-8, KPA maintained a 27-33 advantage at halftime.
As the second half resumed, both teams engaged in a fierce battle in the third quarter, which ended in an 18-18 deadlock, bringing the score to 45-51 in KPA’s favor.
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Nairobi City Thunder turning point
The final quarter was full of drama, with Brad Ibs’ side mounting a strong comeback, erasing a 13-point deficit to force the game into overtime.
Despite KPA’s earlier dominance in the fourth quarter, the momentum shifted when Branwel Muchina immediately sank a three-pointer for KPA, extending their lead to 56-45.
Salim Kisilu then contributed with two more points and a successful free throw, bringing the score to 45-59 in favor of KPA.
However, Derrick Ogechi sparked a rally for Thunder by hitting a three-pointer, and after they were awarded a free throw, they reduced the deficit further.
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Sensational Tylor Ongwae then hit a crucial three-pointer, bringing City Thunder back into the game at 52-59.
Ongwae was not done yet, completing a hat-trick of three-pointers, which brought the score to a narrow 59-55 in KPA’s favor.
With two minutes remaining in regulation, KPA added a free throw following a missed rebound, extending their lead to 60-57.
But Ongwae once again stepped up with another three-pointer, tying the game at 60-60.
The match heated up as City Thunder took their first lead of the game, edging ahead 63-60 with a free throw and a basket.
However, KPA quickly responded with a free throw and a two-point basket, sending the game into overtime.
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In extra time, both teams fought tooth and nail, but it was Thunder who ultimately showed why they are unbeaten in the league.
They added 17 points to their tally, while KPA, who had squandered their chance to end Thunder’s unbeaten run, managed only 10 points.
The final score stood at 80-73, marking an incredible 41-match unbeaten streak for Nairobi City Thunder.
Their last defeat was in a non-league tournament last year, where they lost by the slimmest of margins, 89-88, to Burundi’s Urunani in the Road to BAL East Division Group D qualifiers.
