The Kutubu Security Service (KSS) Flames have been crowned the 2023 Premier Men’s Basketball League (PMBL) Champions after defeating the Civil Pacific Contractors (CIVPAC) Amesii with a scoreline of 75-72 at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on September 20th.
In a three-game Grand Final Series, the Flames have won two matches to claim the coveted title. Had the Amesii won, the series would have been pushed to a decider. However, the Flames were too strong in the two games, capping off their 2023 campaign on a high note.
The KSS Flames have been participating in the PMBL for almost a decade, while the CIVPAC Amesii have entered the competition this year. It was a battle between the seasoned campaigners versus the rookies. The veterans had the upper hand, stamping their authority over the newcomers.
The game started at an intense pace, which saw both teams counterattack each other and wrestle for possession to score points. The arm-wrestle and intensity of the match were felt in the opening quarter, leaving the scores at 20-16, in favor of the Flames.
In the second quarter, the rhythm of the game continued. Both sides fought fiercely to gain ascendency and court territory. They went on toe-to-toe and emptied their tanks, leaving everything on the floor. With a little bit of momentum on the Flames’ side, they took a handy 39-34 lead over the Amesii at halftime.
The competitiveness of the two teams increased to a high intensity in the third quarter. As the speed and pace of the game reached its peak, players doubled their dribbles and quickened their passes, enabling more shots and sending the scores on the board to run. The players were literally putting their bodies on the line. The third quarter ended in a two-point deficit ball game, which saw the Flames maintain their lead over the Amesii with a 56-54 score-line.
In the fourth quarter, the players did not care whether they got injured or not. They went full throttle at each other. The Flames maintained their lead from the first quarter to the final quarter, edging out the fast-finishing Amesii with a 75-72 victory and walking away with the ultimate prize.
The game was a neck-and-neck battle right from the get-go to the final hooter. When the full-time siren sounded, all the players were exhausted, battered, and bruised. The players did not disappoint, as they rose to the occasion and lived up to the hype and expectations of the fans, delivering a mouthwatering contest.
The match itself and the fanfare between the rival fans were nothing short of amazing to watch. The atmosphere was electrifying. The game went down to the wire, ending in a grandstand finish with an edge-of-the-seat stuff.
Interestingly, the KSS-sponsored franchise remained undefeated throughout the season, winning every game in the regular season to the finals. They came with all guns blazing and took the competition by storm, snatching their seventh consecutive title. The Flames are the benchmark team in the country, as far as basketball is concerned.
The elated Flames coach, Moi Muri said he is really proud of his team, despite a strong performance being put on by the Amesii.
“I am really proud and excited for the boys. They have worked very hard for it and they deserved the win. I am truly happy for the boys who have been very strong throughout the season,” coach Muri said.
Meanwhile, coach Moi Muri, who is also the Head Coach of the National Team, said he is looking forward to assembling his players in preparation for the upcoming Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands from November 19th to December 2nd this year.
“Now that the PMBL season is done and dusted, I am looking forward to the Pacific Games. We have six representative players in the Flames’ team, so we will select five or six more players from other teams to make the national squad,” Muri said.
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