KEN - Champs Co-op Bank defeat Ulinzi Warriors as 2011 season starts

NAIROBI (Premier League) - National champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya beat Ulinzi Warriors 68-62 in a top premier league clash at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

The bankers got off to a bright start with Peter Kiganya nailing a long range three-pointer but the Warriors responded well, building up a narrow lead by the end of a slow first quarter, with scores ending 14-11

Two free-throws by Ali Mzee midway through the second saw the gap reduced to only one point (24-25). But the response was immediate as Wafula hit a basket and another by Vincent Juma saw Ulinzi up 33-27 as the first half buzzer sounded.

After the break Co-op moved up a gear, regaining the lead, which they quickly extended to 50-41. In spite of an attempted comeback.

Genga led Co-op with 13 points, Kiganya posted 12 while new boy Titus Musembi made an impressive debut at the back court. For the struggling Ulinzi, Wafula had game high 18 points and 16 from Vincent Odendo.

Dann O'Werre
FIBA