Otters in thrilling 80-79 win over Carlton BC

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Otters BC pulled off an enthralling 80 points to 79 victory over Carlton BC in their Carlton Cup 2010 inter club “A” division basketball tournament match worked off at the British School Courts in Narahenpita yesterday.

The winners built up a close 38-34 lead at the half way mark of the game and went on to add the finishing touches in a most spectacular manner. Even then Otters BC never had the opportunity of extending a big lead over their opponents and were always under pressure. The game took a dramatic turn in the second half when Carlton BC fired a series of three shot baskets and reduced the deficit to a couple of points through their most experienced players Prageeth Pushpakumara (19) and Chamath Dhanawansa (14).

This pair controlled the game beautifully while committing the lease number of mistakes and kept their hopes alive until the final whistle. However Otters BC rallied around through the individual brilliance of Rumesh Senanayake (27) who played a tireless game while keeping the score moving at a tremendous pace.

With the experienced Gayan Meedeniya (19) producing a fine all round performance Otters BC held their nerves during the final stages of the game and to pull off a thrilling victory at the end.

Air Force triumph

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Air Force BC came out with a splendid second half rally to beat Sri Lanka Army BC 76-74 in another exciting encounter played at the same venue.

The Airmen were almost out of the game while trailing by ten points 33-44 at half time but recovered magnificently during the latter stages to turn the game in their favour.

Ravi Dodangoda (14) and M Chanaka (20) spearheaded their fight back through some well executed baskets while Rumesh Fernando (18) and M Suranga (12) had an excellent game for Army BC.

Meanwhile the match between Colombo Bulls and Wattala BC was abandoned due to bad weather yesterday.