Kenya: Co-Op Bank Win Second Match in a Row As They Roll Over Usiu

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Dann O’were

15 March 2011

NATIONAL champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya made it two wins in a row when they hit United States International University (USIU) 63-57 in a Premier League clash at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium.

The bankers Abel Nson set the ball rolling with two quick three pointers before Victor Bosire replied with two foul shots. The lively Evans Letting hit a three pointer as USIU took their first lead at 13-10 en-route to a 17-12 first quarter edge.

Co-op re-grouped as the speedy Titus Musembi was introduced and he sprayed passes for Mark Mayien and Mike Makidai to drive the winners to a 33-29 winner as the buzzer sounded for the end of the half.

In the third quarter, Co-op Bank still enjoyed a 49-38 advantage but after Letting scored a dunk for a 47-51 cushion, they panicked. Chris Mulumba drove for a 54-61 margin and Letting made it 57-61 before the final buzzer stopped the onslaught.

Nson collected 15 points, Makiadi posted 11 and Mayen shot 10 for Co-op. For the students, Letting scored 18, 11 of those in the first quarter, with Mulumba hitting 14 for Tigers.

Mennonites turned on the heat to clobber Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 62-54. Steve McOdongo grabbed 16 points, Collins Ouko contributed 15 while Joshua Vuva nailed 11 for the Knights. Polycarp Omondi had the losers 17 points.

Co-op Bank women made a grand debut at the top tier recovering to douse USIU Flames 63-60. Caroline Achieng had game high of 32 points while Irene Wafula managed 12 for the bankers. Zipporah Odhiambo shot 21 and Debrah Chan added 16.

In the lower division, University of Nairobi “Terrorists” had 20 points from Bill Oketch and 11 from Brian Namalata as they beat Trailblazers 69-54. The losers had 16 from Godfrey Abuya and 11 from Ian Wachie.

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