MOMBASA — The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women’s basketball team did not just beat Nigeria’s First Bank on Sunday; they made a massive withdrawal from the West African giants' reputation, cashing in an 82-53 victory to storm into the quarter-finals of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA).

In a tournament where every possession counts, the Dockers turned the Prince Abdallah Al Faisal Sports Hall in Cairo into their personal playground. The victory extends their perfect start to 2-0 in Group B, sending a clear message to the continent: the Kenyan champions are not just here to participate—they are here to conquer.

The Redemption of Alexus Johnson

If Game One was a nightmare for American import Alexus Johnson, Game Two was her awakening. After fouling out in just 11 minutes with a paltry four points in the opener against Cameroon’s FAP, Johnson returned with a vengeance.

The 6'5" center was imperious in the paint, dropping 19 points and finishing with an efficiency rating of 22. She was the anchor KPA needed, protecting the rim and frustrating the Nigerian offense into submission. Her resurgence was the catalyst for a team that looked tactically superior and physically dominant from the first whistle.

“Johnson recovered from her Game One setback to stage a brilliant show,” noted a source close to the team. Her partnership with Malian guard Aminata Samassekou, who led the scoring with 20 points, proved too potent for the Nigerian bankers to handle.

Tactical Discipline Under Kabalan

Under the stewardship of new head coach Nabil Kabalan, KPA displayed a level of discipline often elusive in Kenyan club basketball. The Dockers raced to a 19-13 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, widening the gap to a commanding 45-24 at halftime.

Key statistics from the rout include:

• Defensive Pressure: KPA forced 20 turnovers, converting them into 19 crucial points.
• Paint Dominance: The Dockers outscored First Bank 40-8 in the paint, a testament to their physical superiority.
• Fast Breaks: KPA outpaced their opponents 22-12 in transition play.

While First Bank’s Wandoo Marvis Hembam fought a lonely battle with a game-high 21 points, her efforts were buried under the collective efficiency of the Mombasa side. Sara Nicole Dickey added 15 points for KPA, ensuring the scoring burden was shared effectively.

Why This Matters for Mombasa

For the taxpayer-funded corporation and its fans back in Mombasa, this performance is a significant return on investment. In a sporting landscape where Kenyan teams often struggle on the continental stage due to poor preparation or funding issues, KPA’s professional display is a breath of fresh air.

The win guarantees KPA a spot in the knockout stages, regardless of the result in their final group match. However, the job is not done. They now face their toughest test yet: a top-of-the-pool decider against defending champions Ferroviário de Maputo from Mozambique.

As the Dockers prepare for that clash, the mood in the camp is one of focused determination. They have banked the points; now they want the interest—the top spot in Group B and a favorable draw in the quarters.