NAIROBI (Kenya) - Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) torched Equity Bank Dumas 73-55 in an all-Kenyan confrontation that lacked fans and did not live up to its billing.
The bankers Davis Siaji opened the scoring with a three-pointer before Gerry Mukhwana hit first for the Dockers who sailed away 22-13 in the first quarter.
KPA overpowered Dumas as they continued to punch them building a huge 40-24 difference at the break, 18-11 of that coming in the third.
KPA built a big 26 point edge at 69-43 but Dumas battled to reduce the deficit with a 20-15 effort but that was not enough.
"It was a good day for us coming off a very tiring game yesterday. We rectified our mistakes and this made it easier for us to play better." Captain Gerry Mukhwana said.
Brian Eleman scored 11 points and Sammy Kisilu managed 10 for KPA who won their second tie. For Dumas, Fredrick Onono shot and Ian Ombiro 10.
Dumas experienced player Siaji said after the game, "The first two games were hard on us but we were able to come back stronger today."
Remesha conquer Dar City
Burundi's Ramesha defeated Dar City 77-58. Both sides were tied 13-13 in the first quarter. But a 26-8 tear in the second, saw the victors away.
It was all business for the unbeaten Ramesha who took a 39-21 half time lead and didn't look back.
In the third quarter Dar City had little to offer as they were tormented at will taking an unassailable 59-33 cushion as the stanza ended.
"It's difficult to play back to back games. We need to rest. I have a young team and don't have a strong bench. But we are focused on a podium finish." Said Dar coach Henry Mwinuka.
It was the same script in the deciding stanza as Remesha continued to pound Dar taking a 26-18 lead to maintain their good run.
"All of us trust one another. I keep telling my team mates that you need heart and confidence to have a good game. Our target is to win the tournament." Offered star Landry Ndikumana.
ABC unable to stop Les Hippos charge
Hippos of Burundi attacked ABC of Tanzania from all fronts wining 97-72 in a match pitting two sides without a win prior to this meeting.
It was the losers who trailed 22-19 in the first quarter before turning the heat in the second with a 24-17 effort.
Jonas Oberlin was the reason for the turn around dropping ABC's 21 points in the first two quarters as they led 43-29.
The scores was tied 50-50 midway through the third before Hippos efforts saw them sail away 62-54 to close the quarter.
With 2:12 minutes played in the deciding quarter, rampaging Hippos charged menacingly to a 71-54 edge to complete the blowout.
"We started well but relaxed as we studied their moves. Once we tightened our defense and started to share the ball more, we were the better side." Said Romis Bujeje.
He led the team's scoring tally with 23 points had three assists and two steals while Bienvanue Richard closely followed with 20.
ABC's Oberlin nailed a tournament high of 33 points while going 11 for 11 from the line. He was the only player who notched double digits.
He noted, "We played well until in the third but we switched our system and started playing individually." Said Oberlin adding "We will try our best in the remaining matches."
FIBA