NAIROBI, Kenya – In what will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in East African community basketball, the Nakuru Hawks staged a breathtaking fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Sudd Eagles 66-63 and crown themselves champions of the ASK Foundation Basketball
Cup Season II
A last-second buzzer-beater sent the Kasarani Indoor Arena into a frenzy, sealing a victory that seemed unlikely for much of the Thursday afternoon.
The Great Escape: Match Breakdown
The Sudd Eagles dominated the early stages of the final, looking every bit like champions-elect. By halftime, they had built a comfortable 9-point cushion, leading 37-28.
1st Quarter: Sudd Eagles 15-14 Nakuru Hawks
Halftime: Sudd Eagles 37-28 Nakuru Hawks
3rd Quarter: Sudd Eagles 54-45 Nakuru Hawks
Final Score: Sudd Eagles 63-66 Nakuru Hawks
Entering the final period trailing 54-45, the Hawks shifted into a higher defensive gear. They chipped away at the lead throughout the 4th quarter, setting up a heart-stopping finale. With the scores level in the dying seconds, the Hawks launched a desperate final shot that found nothing but the net as the buzzer sounded, completing the “Miracle at Kasarani.”
The Road to the Final
Both teams earned their spots in the final through grueling knockout stages earlier this week:
Quarter-Finals: Nakuru Hawks proved their dominance early with a commanding 82-62 win over the defending champions, Longhorns.
Sudd Eagles secured their path by overcoming The Originals in a high-octane clash.
Semi-Finals:
Nakuru Hawks edged out the Kodok Warriors in a tactical masterclass.
Sudd Eagles reached the final by defeating Dee Mentors in a game that tested their physical and mental resolve.
What is the ASK Cup?
For starters, the ASK Foundation Basketball Cup is rapidly becoming a premier talent showcase in the region.
Organized by the ASK Foundation an initiative rooted in South Sudanese youth empowerment—the tournament focuses on using sports as a bridge for unity and peace.
Now in its second season, the tournament has doubled in size, featuring 16 teams from Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, and the Kakuma Refugee Camp, as well as guest teams from Juba, South Sudan.
The tournament provides a platform for elite scouts to spot regional talent while fostering a sense of community among the South Sudanese diaspora in East Africa.
Championship Summary
The 2025 edition has proven that the gap between established Nairobi giants and regional powerhouses like the Nakuru Hawks is closing.
By toppling the Sudd Eagles, the Hawks have officially put the rest of the league on notice.
Winner: Nakuru Hawks
Runner-up: Sudd Eagles
Venue: Kasarani Indoor Arena, Nairobi
Wow, what a game! That buzzer-beater was absolutely incredible, fantastic work for the Nakuru Hawks.