Kenyan basketball champions Nairobi City Thunder delivered a commanding performance against Cape Verde’s Kriol Star, securing a 104-71 victory in their second Group A game at the East Division Elite 16. The win guarantees their place in the semi-finals and keeps their dream of qualifying for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) alive. With the victory, the Bradley Ibs-coached team stands on the brink of history, aiming to become the first Kenyan club to compete in Africa’s premier basketball competition.
Thunder Dominate From the Tip-Off
Nigerien international Abdoulaye Harouna set the tone for the evening with an early three-pointer, sparking a fast-paced start that saw both teams trading shots from beyond the arc. Patrick McGlynn responded for Kriol Star, followed by treys from Garang Diing and Kenneti Mendes, leveling the game at 6-6 within the opening minutes.
The teams remained neck-and-neck, tied again at 10-10, before Thunder’s captain, Tylor Ongwae, took control. Orchestrating an eight-point run, Ongwae scored five points himself, complemented by Harouna’s second three-pointer. The surge forced Kriol Star into an early timeout as Thunder began to pull away.
McGlynn, one of Kriol Star’s standout performers, sank consecutive three-pointers, but Thunder’s relentless pace ensured they maintained the upper hand. By the end of the first quarter, the home side held a solid 24-16 lead.
Building Momentum in the Second Quarter
Thunder carried their momentum into the second quarter, with Albert Odero leading an early scoring spree to push the lead to 33-18. Odero’s five-point contribution, alongside excellent team coordination, kept the pressure on the Cape Verdean side.
Ater Majok then electrified the Nyayo Gymnasium crowd with a thunderous dunk and a resulting free throw after being fouled by Mendes. The three-point play extended Thunder’s lead to 40-20 midway through the quarter, leaving Kriol Star scrambling for answers.
Rwandese forward Dieudonne Ndayisaba Ndizeye attempted to rally his team with a quick five points, but Thunder’s Diing responded with back-to-back drives to the basket, restoring a comfortable 20-point lead at 45-25. Uche Iroegbu added to Kriol Star’s frustrations with a pivotal defensive stop against Joel Almeida, ensuring Thunder maintained their dominance.
2 games, 2 wins for Nairobi City Thunder, boosting their #Elite16 semi-finals chances! #RoadToBAL pic.twitter.com/XnXCNOuKQM
— Road To BAL (@roadtoBAL) November 29, 2024
Harouna continued his sharpshooting clinic, sinking another three-pointer to extend the lead to 51-25. Ndizeye answered with a three-point play after a layup and foul, but Kriol Star struggled to close the gap. Ali Lahrichi added a trey just before halftime, but they remained firmly in control, heading into the break with a 51-31 lead.
Paint Dominance and Unrelenting Tempo
Nairobi City Thunder’s superiority in the paint was a defining feature of the first half, as they outscored Kriol Star 26-6 in the interior. Despite Kriol’s respectable 6-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc, including three treys from McGlynn, the visitors were unable to match Thunder’s relentless energy and precision.
Skipper Ongwae reignited the action in the second half with a reverse layup, followed shortly by back-to-back three-pointers from himself and Diing, drawing roars of approval from the home crowd. Thunder extended their lead to 62-35 early in the third quarter, with Iroegbu contributing to a 69-37 advantage three minutes from the quarter’s end.
Ndizeye managed four late points for Kriol, but Thunder remained unbothered, closing the quarter with a commanding 72-48 lead.
A Ruthless Fourth Quarter to Seal Victory
Thunder showcased their depth and stamina in the final quarter, outscoring Kriol Star 32-20. The home side’s offensive efficiency remained high, with multiple players contributing to their second consecutive 100+ point performance. This followed their opening 102-59 victory against South Africa’s MBB Blue Soldiers.
Ibs’ tactical rotations ensured that key players stayed fresh, allowing Thunder to maintain their pace and intensity throughout. The team’s ability to balance scoring across the roster has been a hallmark of their campaign, as they march into the semi-finals full of confidence.
A Historic Opportunity Beckons
With two dominant wins in Group A, they now turn their attention to Monday’s semi-finals at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. The team is on the cusp of a historic achievement: securing Kenya’s first-ever qualification for the BAL. Under the guidance of coach Bradley Ibs, the team has displayed exceptional skill, unity, and determination, signaling their readiness to compete at the highest level of African basketball.
As they prepare for the next challenge, the Thunder will look to replicate the form that has made them one of the standout teams in the East Division Elite 16. Their journey to this point has captured the imagination of basketball fans across Kenya, and the stakes have never been higher.
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