Nations Trust Bank clinch Mercantile ‘B’ division cager title

Sanjaya ARIYARATNE

Nations Trust Bank emerged `B’ division champions after a nail biting 97 points to 96 win over Hatton National Bank in extra time after the scores were deadlocked at 84 all at the end of regular time in their Mercantile Basketball Tournament final concluded at the Otters Aquatic courts, Colombo yesterday evening.

The tournament was conducted by the Mercantile Services Basketball Association and sponsored by Hatton National Bank.

Hatton National Bank got off to a flying start by scoring more three points and dominated the first quarter with 19 points to 14 but the second quarter was much better for Nations Trust cagers as they went onto level the scores at 19 all by making less mistakes after which the winners extended their lead to 48 points to 31 at half time.

Rishan Yosuf who left the court after an injury returned later and played a grand game for Nations Trust Bank scoring 23 points. Rishan was ably helped by Charitha Kulawardane with 22 points and Manjula Jayaratne with 13 points.

The fourth quarter was an exciting affair in a game of fluctuating fortunes as both teams fought hard to take the lead. Asanka Suwaris with 27 points and Nirmitha Weerasekara with 17 points shone for Hatton National Bank while Rashanga Ruwanga foiled several attempts by NTB to score.

Before reaching the final Nations Trust Bank beat Ranawana and Company by 70 points to 62 after leading by 32 points to 29 at the breather.

For Nations Trust Bank Rizan Yosuf with 22 points and Manjula Jayaratne with 19 points were the best shooters while S. Senanayake and D. Perera with 17 points apiece were the top scorers for Ranawana and Company.

Hatton National Bank cruised into the final after beating Amana Group by a thrilling 90 points to 87 played at Otters courts.

Hatton National Bank were ahead 41 points to 37 at the short whistle. C. Fernando with 20 points, R. Ruwanga with 27 points and A. Suwaris (25) excelled for the winners while R. Samidon (16), A. Abraf (15) and S. Doole (14) were the outstanding players for Amana Group.

Thus the Nations Trust Bank `B’ clinched a double as they earlier won the `D’ division crown after a fiercely contested final against DFCC Group `B’ where the scores were deadlocked 68 points all at the end of regular time.

The former emerged victorious during extra time by 84 points to 72. The winners were trailing 35 points to 42 at half time.