Nairobi City Thunder are one victory away from completing another successful title defence after beating Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 72-63 in Game Two of the KBF Men’s Premier League Finals at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa.
The defending champions now hold a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five series, putting them within touching distance of a third consecutive league crown.
Thunder had already survived a major scare in the opening game, recovering from six points down in the closing seconds before Eugene Adera’s late three-pointer forced overtime. They eventually won 78-67.
Game Two was another important test for Brad Ibs’ side, but this time they avoided the late drama and secured a 10-point victory to strengthen their grip on the championship series.
KPA applied more pressure after the break and led 52-51 at the end of the third quarter. The final stanza remained tightly contested, with the hosts twice drawing level at 56-56 and 60-60.
The turning point came with four minutes remaining when Derrick Ogechi returned to the court after receiving treatment for an eye injury. His return sparked Thunder at a crucial moment, with the champions leading 67-63 before Ogechi produced six unanswered points through consecutive three-pointers to open up the decisive gap.
Ogechi’s late contribution earned him the game’s MVP honours as Thunder held on for the 72-63 victory.
“We train for these moments every single day. Everyone understands their role, and my teammates trusted me. I was able to step up and make the plays we needed,” Ogechi said.
Coach Ibs praised his players for remaining united despite the pressure, saying their determination helped them overcome a difficult contest.
“I’m incredibly proud of the group’s desire to win. It felt like plenty was going against us, but every time we came together in the huddle, the players stayed connected. In the end, they showed they were a team that simply refused to lose,” he said.
KPA coach Robert Mugabe admitted his side struggled to match Thunder’s intensity.
“We couldn’t match their physicality today. They were more aggressive and showed greater intensity,” Mugabe said.
KPA now face a must-win situation when the series moves to Nairobi. Mugabe’s side must win Game Three to keep their championship hopes alive and force a fourth game.
“There are three games left. We’ll go to Nairobi and try to win the next two to force a Game Five,” Mugabe said.
The third game will be played at Nyayo Gymnasium on Friday, October 2, where Thunder have the opportunity to close out the series and retain their crown.
For Thunder, victory would complete a third straight championship. For KPA, it is now about extending the series and keeping their title challenge alive.
