The much-anticipated 2026 Kenya National Men’s Basketball Premier League tipped off this weekend with a result that shattered pre-season expectations. The ANU Wolfpacks, under the tactical guidance of head coach Michael Oluoch, turned their home court into a fortress, surviving a furious third-quarter comeback from the Equity Dumas to win 69-64.
For the Dumas, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, marking their second consecutive defeat after being dismantled 105-67 by defending champions Nairobi City Thunder just 24 hours earlier.
1. A Commanding Start: The Wolfpacks’ First-Half Blitz
The Wolfpacks entered the court with a level of intensity that the “Bankers” struggled to match. ANU dictated the pace from the first whistle, utilizing their speed and conditioning to outmaneuver Equity’s heavier frontcourt.
Q1 Dominance: ANU set the tone early, closing the first quarter with a 20-12 lead.
Halftime Cushion: By the end of the second quarter, the Wolfpacks had extended their advantage to 43-31, capitalizing on Dumas’ turnovers and a lack of perimeter discipline.
2. The Dumas Resurgence: A Third-Quarter Scare
Basketball is a game of runs, and Equity Dumas proved their pedigree in the third quarter. Reeling from their Friday night blowout, the Bankers tightened their defensive screws and held ANU to just 5 points in the entire ten-minute period.
The Comeback: Dumas outscored ANU 19-5 in the third, cutting the deficit to a razor-thin 50-48 heading into the final frame.
Tactical Shift: Coach Oluoch admitted his side suffered a brief “scoring and turnover” slump, nearly allowing the experienced Dumas to snatch the lead.
3. The Final Stand: Oluoch’s Tactical Masterclass
With the game on the line, the Wolfpacks rediscovered their composure. In a decisive fourth-quarter push, ANU outscored Equity 21-14 to seal the win.
Key Stats: ANU’s late-game composure was highlighted by their ability to draw fouls and convert high-pressure free throws.
Coach’s Verdict: “The boys really fought hard despite a couple of mistakes. This is a good motivator, and we look forward to a very competitive season,” said Michael Oluoch after the final buzzer.
4. What This Means for the 2026 Season
This victory is more than just a notch in the “win” column; it’s a declaration of intent. For years, the league has been dominated by well-funded corporate giants. However, the rise of university sides like the Wolfpacks suggests a shift in the hierarchy.
Momentum: ANU heads into Matchday 2 with perfect confidence.
Dumas in Crisis? Two losses in one weekend leave Equity Dumas sitting at the bottom of the table early in the campaign. They must now find a way to integrate their new signings before the gap at the top becomes insurmountable.
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes
If the opening fixture at ANU is any indication, the 2026 season will be a relentless marathon. The Wolfpacks have proven they can run with the big dogs, but can they maintain this ferocity through the playoffs?
