JKUAT takes Nakuball cup in ladies' category, men's final postponed
Mercy Ondara the JKUAT Captain receiving a trophy from Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation Nakuru chapter, Peter Odhiambo on December 7, 2024.
It is official, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) ladies are the winners of this year’s Nakuru Universities and Colleges League (Nakuball) champions in the ladies’ category.
In last weekend’s game JKUAT ladies managed to narrowly beat their opponents in a highly contested match that saw them winning 14-12.
Coming into game two, it was still anyone’s game, with the Rocketeers having to put in extra effort to ensure they force a game three.
However, JKUAT had other ideas as they led the game with quick successive baskets from Sylvia Kituku, Merrie Moraa and Achan Mach.
Sylvia Kituku going for a lay up in their game against Rocketeers on December 7, 2024.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Rocketeers fate had already been decided and they were now assured of second place. The game ended 45- 29.
This loss left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Rocketeers who were forced to relinquish their title of defending champions to the new victors.
In the men’s category things were noisy and messy. Being a replay of last year’s finals, both teams were out to prove themselves.
In the first game, the Rockets made their intentions known by coming in hot and fast, attacking JKUAT with well executed plays and shots from the three-point line.
This disoriented the defending champions.
However, by the fourth quarter, JKUAT managed to pull a comeback and it was 35 ups.
Both teams exchanged baskets but in the final seconds, Alvin Longinus was the point of difference making a three-point shot that saw his team win the game 48-47.
Alvin Longinus up against a JKUAT player on December 7, 2024.
The Rockets managed to win the battle but a war was still looming.
Coming into the second game, JKUAT commanded the game with a solid defence, while making their plays count on the other side of the court.
The first half ended 25-23 in favour of JKUAT. However, after an earful from their coach at the break, the Rockets came back and managed to pull a comeback and the third quarter ended 19-12.
The fourth quarter was to be the decider, with both teams having everything to win and lose at the same time.
The teams were exploiting each other’s weakness, with JKUAT hoping to win the game by converting the free throws from the fouls they attracted from the opponents and Rockets hoping to make quick consecutive baskets from their fast break plays.
In the end, the pressure and mind games were too much for the Rockets and they succumbed to the pressure losing to JKUAT 58-54. The series is now tied at 1-1 with game three being the decider.
Unfortunately, game three that was to take place on Sunday (today) will not happen due to logistical issues from both teams; the game will be played on January 7.