National girls’ basketball champions Butere Girls came from 33-25 down at halftime to thrash Gahini Girls from Rwanda 68-49 to kick off the East Africa Secondary School games campaign with a win at the Central Police, Kakamega Basketball Courts on Thursday.
The Western Region champions took the first quarter 17-11 but a big 22-8 response from the Rwandese saw Gahini stun the hosts at the breather.
A narrow 16-11 third quarter response saw Butere cut Gahini’s lead to 44-41 before a massive 27-5 fourth quarter dominance saw the hosts bag their win.
Speaking after the win, Butere Girls basketball coach Chris Odeke said they are tackling a game at a time and he is happy with the response from his players.
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“We started well but were pathetic in the second quarter. We relapsed a bit but that is normal in a game of basketball. What matters is how you adapt and react to challenges.
“I am happy the girls’ rectified their mistakes in the second half and showed why they are the national champions. We must not underrate any team going forward,” said Odeke.
Former champs Kaya Tiwi Girls, on the other hand, lost 68-55 despite leading 36-28 at halftime.
In the boys’ category, former national basketball champions Dr Aggrey began their East Africa title chase on the front foot after humbling Seetah from Uganda 64-40.
The Coast region heavyweights took a massive 41-24 halftime lead after dominating the first quarter 20-12 and second quarter 21-12.
A narrow 13-7 third quarter dominance from Dr Aggrey increased the Kenyan outfit’s lead to 54-31 before closing the game with a 10-10 fourth quarter draw.
“It was a good start for the boys. We really suffered during the Term One national finals in Shanzu, but I’m happy I know have all players to rotate and now we go again today,” said Dr Aggrey coach Robert Aran.
In basketball 3×3, Ng’iya Girls from Siaya debuted with a 17-12 win over St Mary’s Kitende from Uganda while national champions Buru Buru Girls stunned Gahini from Rwanda 19-9.
Buddo from Uganda meanwhile picked a narrow 17-15 win over debutants St Mary’s Yala.