The Kenya Morans started their 2023 FIBA Afrocan campaign on a winning note, after seeing off Ivory Coast 62-52 in their Group A opening game in Luanda on Saturday afternoon.
The Morans won in all but the third quarter as they tipped off their hunt for another place in the final on a positive note.
New boy Derrick Ogechi led in scoring, sinking 19 points and eight rebounds, while Tom ‘Bush’ Wamukota was effective on the boards with, 19 rebounds, 13 of them defensively.
Experienced pint guard Griffin Ligare was also effective on the offensive end, as he contributed 13 points to the haul.
“We just focused on playing hard from the start and made sure we controlled the rebounds. We came to show that Kenya is serious about playing this tournament,” Ogechi said after the game.
He added; “We will take a game at a time and the focus now is to recover and focus on the next game, which is Gabon.”
Coach Cliff Owuor was also pleased with the performance of his side.
“We competed very well and we took care of business early. We controlled the boards well and that gave us the win. We were also able to neutralize their strong points very well,” the tactician said.
The Morans started the game well and won the opening quarter comfortably 15-10. At halftime, they were however made to work, with the Ivorians squeezing the score, but Morans still enjoyed a lead, stretching it to seven points, scores at 34-27.
The third quarter was hotly contested with the Ivorians tying in scoring with Kenya, as they both made 15 points. The Morans withstood pressure in the final quarter, and stretched the lead to 10 points at the end of the game.
Source : Capital FM Kenya
