KENYA booked a ticket for the FIBA Africa Under-18 Championships after beating Rwanda 71-58 in the Zone Five qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda on Sunday. The Kenyans, who had lost the first encounter 54-40 the previous day, stunned the home crowd after defying all the odds to qualify for the final tour planned for September in Senegal. Only two nations battled in the event.

The Kenya team, trained by Philip Onyango, trailed 12-20 in the first quarter before going on to take the second 27-10 as the two sides went to the break. After resumption, Kenya stayed ahead 15-13 in the third and 17-15 in the last quarter. Taudensia Katumbe was the star of the show as she poured in game high 35 points. Evelyne Oketch managed 19 while Brenda Nawiri scored another 8 for the winners, who used only eight players in this event. Kenyan boys team had no answer for their taller Rwandese counterparts as they succumbed to a 94-38defeat to bow out of the Senegal race. Kenya's fate was sealed the previous day when they lost 61-29 the previous day.

Meanwhile, Premier League leaders KCB Lions maintained their unbeaten run after beating United States International University (USIU) 78-48 at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium. The bankers, who have now gone nine games without a loss, led 36-25 at the break. Tobias Onyango scored 23 points, Ancette Wafula hit 21 and Chiza Aristote bagged 17. Tigers had 12 from James Omweno.

Ulinzi torched Mennonites 82-62 as Byron Mabonga nailed 22 points and William Otieno added 15. The losers had 17 from Tom Bush and 13 from Erick Makokha. Co-operative Bank of Kenya had 20 points from Linda Alando and 12 from Faith Owich as they clubbed Mennonites 57-20. Strathmore University hit Gladiators 49-27 with Tana Ogwel collecting 11 points for the Swords.

In Kakamega, women champions Eagle Wings thrashed Western Delight 64-25 at the Police Canteen. Silalei Shani and Everlyne Nora each picked up 14 points for the visitors. Upper Hill crushed 63-76 to Emyba while World Hope nipped KU Pirates 60-59 in the lower division matches at the same venue.