Al-Azhar, Akurana cager champions

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

Al-Azhar College, Akurana emerged champions by beating Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda (80-72) in the final of the All Island `B' division Boys Basketball Tournament worked off at the Al-Azhar College, courts, Akurana a few days ago. Azhar cagers took a 44 points to 38 lead at half time with the best scores coming from N.J.Y. Ameen (19) and M.A. Riza (18). Nilupul Kansaranga fought a lone battle for Sokians with 18 points.

Before reaching final Azhar defeated Trinity College by 67 points to 60 after taking a close 36 points to 35 lead at breather in the semi final played at the same venue.

M.N.M. Nazhich (18) and M.N. Riza Muzni (13) were the top scorers for the winners while Dhochaka (16) and Vidura (13) were the best shooters for Trinitians.

Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda posted another close win over Ananda College (77-74) to book their place in the final after trailing 27 points to 43 at the short whistle.

Sameera (18) and Sayanga (12) excelled for the winners while Vimukthi (29) and Randika (11) were the chief scorers for the losers.

In the consolation final for the third place Ananda College beat Trinity College by 76 points 67 after being ahead with 32 points to 30 at breather.

In a quarter final fixture Al-Azhar cagers had the better of St. Anthony's College, Katugastota by a thumping 97 points to 47. The other results: Al-Azhar College beat De La Salle College, Nalanda College beat Prince of Wales, Moratuwa (74-60), Trinity College beat Kegalle Vidyalaya (85-31), Dharmasoka College beat Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa (81-50), Dharmasoka College beat CSI (87-31), Trinity College beat Lyceum International School, Wattala (71-28), Ananda College beat Nalanda College (78-52).