A past Coop Bank game. [Photo/michezoafrika.com]Co-operative Bank Kingdom Queens became the first women side to qualify to the semi-finals of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League play-offs after beating students Zetech University 2-1 on aggregate at the Africa Nazarene University (ANU) over the weekend. The bankers had taken the lead in the best of three quarterfinals with a slim 44-43 victory in Game One before Zetech tied the series 1-1 in Game Two on Saturday after securing a 54-50 victory.
Cooperative came stronger for the decider Game Three yesterday at the same venue to see off their opponents 53-47 to qualify to the next stage even as they hope to surpass their last season record of reaching the semi-finals. The women play-offs are likely to extend to next year since champions Equity Bank and Kenya Ports Authority are currently out of the country to represent Zone Five and Kenya in the Africa Women Champions Cup in Luanda Angola.
The two sides have been relegated to classification matches after being edged out of the title contest at the quarterfinals. In the men’s Premier League former champions Ulinzi Warriors took an early lead against their opponents Thunder after thrashing them 74-70 in a hotly contested match played at ANU Grounds. Ulinzi who relinquished the trophy last year is ed among the top title contenders apart from champions KPA, Strathmore Blades, and Co-operative Bank Spartans.
In women Division One, Strathmore University overpowered hosts Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 2-1 to qualify for the semi-finals following their 53-46 victory in Game Three last weekend. Students Strathmore are keen on fighting their way back to the Premier League next season.