KU begin 3×3 title defence in style as KUSF Play-offs tip off t Kabarak
Reigning champions Kenyatta University (KU) launched their title defence in style at the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) National Play-offs, brushing aside Maseno University 19-13 in a thrilling 3×3 basketball clash at Court A, Kabarak University.
KU skipper Brian Mutua struck a confident tone after the win, insisting the defending champions are not feeling the weight of expectations as they chase back-to-back titles.
“As defending champions, it will be a tough task but we are ready to defend our title. We have no pressure to retain it,” said Mutua.
He added that their status gives them a psychological edge over their rivals.
“We have nothing to lose. Our aim is to put our opponents under pressure, not ourselves, since we have the upper hand,” he said.
The victory boosted KU’s hopes of sealing a semifinal berth as the competition gathered momentum in Nakuru County.
In other men’s results, Murang’a University of Technology edged Technical University of Mombasa 19-12, while Mount Kenya University defeated Strathmore University 18-13. MUT later narrowly overcame MKU 12-10.
University of Nairobi silenced Maseno 21-14 before seeing off University of Eldoret 21-16 in another dominant display.
Women’s Category
Despite losing all their opening fixtures, Chuka University captain Celine Kinyor remained upbeat about her team’s prospects of bouncing back and qualifying for the East Africa University Games.
“KUSF is doing a good job exposing our talents, especially in 3×3 basketball. This is the best way to showcase our hard work and relentless spirit. Even if we lose, we are here to compete,” she said.
Kinyor also underscored the importance of striking a balance between academics and sport.
“Mixing sports and classwork helps us maintain balance because we are all here to learn. The school usually writes letters so that we do not miss examinations,” she added.
Former champions Strathmore beat Egerton University 13-09 as MKU edged Chuka 11-09. Chuka later fell to Kisii University in sudden death after an 11-all draw in regulation time.
Hosts Kabarak University suffered a 03-11 defeat to Meru University of Science and Technology, while UoN and United States International University Africa thrashed the hosts 21-06.
The Kabarak extravaganza features 15 indoor disciplines — including badminton, table tennis, darts, scrabble, taekwondo, karate and chess — alongside five outdoor sports: woodball, baseball, rugby sevens, rollball and 3×3 basketball, underscoring the scale and diversity of the national university showpiece.
