United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) made a mockery of their effort in the last 15 seconds of the game in a  62-65 loss to Strathmore Blades in the men’s Premier League on Sunday.

Blades had dominated the game for the longest period and even led by 10 points in the second quarter at 20-10. It was the biggest lead of the game and USIU-A played second-fiddle to a Blades side that utilized shooting opportunities to keep their varsity peers under check.

USIU-A led twice only; 3-2 and 6-4 all in the early minutes of the first quarter.

Deep into the fourth quarter, they got back to the game and tied scores 62-62 with 15 seconds to play.

Joseph Ongoro had fouled Yoni Wanambiro who made two free shots as Ongoro fouled out. Immediately, Blades called a timeout and scored a basket through Fidel Okoth from the possession.

On the other end, USIU-A called for their timeout with 10 seconds on the clock and they re-strategized. With possession on their side, they had an opportunity to tie scores or make a three-pointer and win.

 

They fluffed the opportunity as Alex Usiu  opted to play alone and it was costly. He went for an unsuccessful lay-up and from the scramble, Wanambiro of Usiu  fouled Cliff Alela.

He made a free shot to settle the game. In the first quarter, Blades won 18-10. Reuben Muraya and Joseph Ongoro scored a three-pointer each as they raced to a seven-point lead of 13-6.

USIU-A fought back in the second quarter to a deficit of one point at 21-20 with four minutes to play but Blades went up seven points at 31-24.

USIU-A won the quarter 18-17 but Blades had the halftime advantage of seven points. Blades won the third quarter 14-13 but USIU-A conquered in the fourth 21-16.

Ongoro scored 17 points for Blades and Muraya added 14

Strathmore Blades now lies 2nd in the league with 8 wins and 3 loses and completed back to back against the oldest Universities rivalries.