Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) and Golden Gate International College (GGIC) set a mouth watering title clash of the Kwiks Basketball League brushing aside their opponents in the playoffs on Wednesday.
In the first playoff at the Army club headquarters in Bhadrakali, TAC hammered Himalayan Hounds 104-79 with Ashish Basnet dropping in 22 points and six rebounds. At the GGIC basketball court, the hosts overwhelmed Bishal Milan Kendra (BMK) 113-79 to post the biggest team total till date. The final and the third placed playoff are scheduled for Saturday at the National Sports Council covered hall.
GGIC’s crushing victory was the impressive of all after the team studded with current and former national team stars came into the match having beaten by BMK in both the matches of the double round robin league. But former national team skipper Bipendra Maharjan made sure his side set up a rematch with TAC as the veteran dropped in 37 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
BMK thought that GGIC’s nine-point (29-20) lead in the first quarter was well within their reach but the hosts left them with a mountain to climb after second period which they took 32-11 for a whooping lead of 30 points. A closely contested third quarter saw both teams converting their frequent three-point attempts. However, GGIC retained the 30-point lead after the third quarter was tied at 29-29.
The hosts also led the final quarter 23-19 as BMK were denied a place in the final. Rajiv Joshi made a huge impact rolling in three 3-pointers in his 33 points, backed up with six assists, four rebounds and four steals. Anish Shahi Thakuri netted 16 points and took 18 rebounds, while Bikram Dangol had three 3-pointers in his 14.
Lanky BMK post player Bibek Shrestha returned with a double-double scoring 17 points and taking 11 rebounds. Binit Jung Rana scored 16 point and Sandeep Poudel took 13 rebounds with Bikash Gurung also getting 13 points.
In the morning match, Armymen laid the foundation with a 29-11 lead in the first quarter. Hounds gave a good fight in the second period but TAC still took it 19-17 for a 20-point lead going into the second half. Hounds had a good opening in the third quarter but after they lost one of their key players Saurav Shrestha to technical foul, the visitors lost the momentum.
TAC managed to race away in the third quarter with a 29-23 lead. A closely-contested final period saw both teams score 28 points apiece. Sadish Pradhan top scored in the game with 23 points and Rabin Khatri had 18 points. Both the players had two 3-pointers apiece. Siddhartha Maharjan also scored 13 points for the Armymen.
Mabindra Bhandari gave a double-double scoring 22 points with two 3-pointers. He also took 12 rebounds. Shrestha netted 14 points before going out for showing dissent over referee’s decision. Nischal Tandukar contributed 13 points.
The tournament, organised by Play for Deprived Children Nepal, is Nepal’s first ever national-level double round robin league home and away basketball tournament. The champions will get Rs 200,000 and the runners-up will take home Rs 100,000. The third placed team will get Rs 50,000.
Published: 29-03-2018 10:20
source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com
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