KEN - Odula last second heroics save Sprite Storms

NAIROBI (Premier League) - Brenda Odula nailed a three pointer at the buzzer to guide Sprite Storms to a close 40-39 upset win of national champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in a tight and entertaining Premier League tie at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium yesterday.

In a nip and tuck tie that would have gone either way, Storms trailed 8-9 in the first quarter but recovered to take a 19-17 lead at the breather. A basket by Mwajuma Suleiman saw KPA take the third quarter 30-28 setting stage for a dramatic fourth.

Storms regained the advantage at 35-32 on shots by Linda Alando and Emma Nyakweba but again KPA stormed right back as Irene Murambi two foul shots and a Joyce Makungu basket saw KPA swung the tie 38-35 in the ports women's favour.

Odula banked a lay up for 37-38 and Agnes Anyango hit one foul shot for a 39-37 KPA edge and then the impossible happened. With the clock ticking away, Odula unveiled a three pointer from the top of the key that touched nothing but twine sparking celebrations all over the court.

Angela Luchivya scored 10 points while Alando and Odula combined for another 17 points haul for Storms who do not even turn up for training these days. KPA ,who lacked cohesion in their attacks, had 11 from Caroline Arato with no one hitting double figures.

National champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) beat Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 87-68 in a top Premier League match played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

It was the porters who got off to a bright start taking a 24-18 edge in the first quarter. Lions managed to go ahead 28-14 as a high scoring first half ended 46-38 in KCB's favour.

The second half was a nasty and hard fought affair as players shoved and fell on the floor forcing referee Juma Kent to hit both teams with technical fouls to calm things down. Lions led 66-54 in the third quarter.

Furaha Odari was ejected by Kent after being whistled for his second flagrant foul, as KCB raced away 75-58 in this ill tempered encounter. He will miss the teams next game. Lions build a 18 points cushion most of this quarter.

In a balanced scoring attack, Victor Odendo had 17 points, Tobias Onyango had 16, David Otiso chipped in with 14 while Yoni Wanambiro and Dennis Opiyo managed 11 and 10 respectively. For KPA, Mike Opel led the chart with........

United States International University (USIU) led 35-33 at the break before erupting for a 85-64 win over International Christian Center (ICC). Ramadhan Arimi scored 23 points while Chris Mulumba nailed 12 for Tigers ICC had 19 from Luka Lukongo and 11 from David Kyalo.

Yana slumped to another huge loss going down 24-63 to champions KPA in a ladies tie. KPA had 13 points from Evalyne Otinda while Yana, who lost 24-66 to Eagle Wings in their last encounter were led by Mitchelle Otinda who scored eight.

Hilola Indasi scored 15 points and Samba Mjomba 14 to guide USIU Flames to an easy 52-33 win over University of Nairobi "Dynamites". The losers were pepped by Eleanor Musundi who bagged 10.

FIBA