Ulinzi Warriors head coach Benard Mufutu has applauded his team for a great display after edging University of Nairobi’s Terror 89-71 in the men’s basketball league at Ulinzi Sports Complex over the weekend.

Mufutu says the long break they had before the match helped his team to recover fully, having suffered major injury setbacks in recent matches.

"The long break was a good thing for us because we had some injuries but they came back all in good shape, but again training has been okay. Every game we play we try to improve on our weak areas, if you find we have improved by a certain percentage, you know it is a progress and it really helps," Mufutu said.

The coach noted Terror were out to win but his charges responded aptly.

“My players shared the ball better than any other game we have played, they rebounded better. Our rebounding was a bit wanting especially offensively. Guys off the bench are the people who make the difference. In this game our bench points were impressive. Everybody played their bit which resulted in the win,” Mufutu added.

On his part Terror head coach Eugen Kalman said a sluggish start is to blame for the loss.

“We didn't start well, it took us some time to settle in the game. Second quarter was good we ran out sets played good defense, but then we collapsed in the third, and allowed them to score at will.

"Another major problem was 3-point shooting, Ulinzi had eight and we had just one. That was a big difference and that's how Ulinzi won the game because in terms of two-point percentage, rebounds were at par,” Kalman said.

The soldiers won the opening quarter 19-12 before establishing a 36-31 cushion into the break.

Ulinzi continued to dominate well after the break to win 30-19 in the third quarter as they opened a 16-point lead thanks to a 66-50 score line in the third quarter before winding up with a 23-21 win in the last quarter.

They top the table with 31 points after 17 matches, winning 14 while Terror are second last on the table with 19 after playing 14 matches.

Weekend results

ANU Panthers 49-43 UON Dynamites-WP

Eldonets 63-54 KU ORYX- WP

ANU Panthers 53-52 Storms- WP

Zetech Titans 62-58 ANU Wolfpacks-MP

Ulinzi Warriors 89-71 Terror- MP

Strathmore Blades 59-47 Umoja- MP

Equity Dumas 90-45 ANU Wolfpacks - MP