Vishvanath helps Sampath Bank

A spectacular three points basket by Anushka Vishvanath helped Sampath Bank to pull off an exciting 71 points to 67 victory over DFCC Group `A’ team in their men’s ‘A’ division MSBA Knock out Tournament fixture played at Otters Courts on Monday. Sampath Bank will confront defending champions Delmege Group in the final.

Both teams had a chance of winning the match but Sampath cagers held their nerves to add the finishing touches. DFCC Group were leading 29 points to 25 but they failed to capitalise on their early lead.

This tournament is being conducted by the Mercantile Services Basketball Association (MSBA).

Until the last two minutes Sampath were trailing 64 points to 67 then the 3 points basket by Anushka equalled the score 67-67. Sampath Bank went onto score another four more points to seal the victory at 71-67.

Thisara Chathuranga (22), Virantha Bastian (13) and Chamatha Danawansa (12) were the best shooters for the winners while Gayan Meedeniya netting 23 points and Rasika Jayasooriya dropping 22 points stood out for DFCC Group.

HNB in final

Meanwhile, in the girls tournament Hatton National Bank reached the final of their womens’ ‘A’ division in style when they defeated Seylan Bank by 73 points to 55 played at same venue.

At half time HNB were leading 33 points to 25. For HNB Erandi Gallage and Kumarine de Silva with 18 points apiece were the top scorers while Premila Fernando and Saduni Bollegala with 16 points each were the main scorers for Seylan Bank.

The women’s MSBA knock out tournament is being played for the first time.

- SA