Game 1: Saturday, October 31 – YMCA
Game 2: Wednesday, November 4 – YMCA
Game 3: Sunday, November 8 – YMCA (If necessary)
When StarTimes Falcons edged Our Saviour 84-79 in their last game of the regular season last Wednesday, they did not only make amends for the first round loss to the league new comers but also set up a clash with Tiger Head Power in the first round of the playoffs.
The win sealed a fifth place finish for the league record champions and a match up with a side they last played in 2010 in the post season.
The best-of-three series are set to tip-off on Friday night at YMCA and one recurrent question is; Will Falcons be able to counter Power’s running game and beat their primary form of defense – pressing?
It’s uncertain what kind of test the Falcons will provide in series as they face Power having beaten them at their own game in the second round match up in July when Falcons ran out 66-42, handing Power their worst defeat in recent history.
Ben Oluoch and Tonny Oluka will require their charges to produce that kind of game and focus from tip-off to the final buzzer.
“It is playoffs and we will take Power seriously and one game at a time.” Falcons Steven Omony said. “We canceled out ourselves in the regular season but now it’s time to execute everything we have been working on as a team” he added.
Falcons Keys to the series
There are a lot of uncertainties about Falcons’ front court and the keys to winning the series are with the front court. It’s uncertain whether Ariel Okall will play.
However, if the Kenyan center plays and Isaac Afidra turns up along with the playoffs Steven Omony, Power’s front court of Micheal Makiadi, Paul Mwaka, Micheal Kojo and Francis Kasinde will have more than they can handle on their hands.
Power’s keys to the series
Veteran guard Abdulahi Ramadhan holds the keys to Power’s progress to the semifinals. Dulla has got to harness the scoring ability of center Micheal Makiadi and Sudi Ulanga as well as contributing his own. Paul Odong and Joseph Ikong’s effectiveness on transition will go a long way in help Power see off Falcons.
Both teams go into game one off wins. Power came from down to edge title hopefuls KIU Titans 87-86 while Falcons fended off Our Saviour 84-79.
Regular Season Series
Falcons 67-79 Power
Power 42-66 Falcons
Prediction
Steven Omony may be too dominant a player and along with Ariel Okall and may give Power problems but they don’t have a consistent supporting cast to get them over the line. Power to sweep series 2-0
