Colombo BC enters Carlton Cup final
Thushan JAYASURIYA
Defending Champions Colombo BC booked their final berth after a tense
battle with Hombantota Sports Club (HSC) Blues team where Colombo
defeated HSC Blues by 49 points to 44 in the Carlton Cup basketball ‘A’
division qualifier played at the Henry Pedris courts yesterday.
A Colombo player (in red attire) blocking an under the
basket shooting atempt of a HSC blues player. Picture by
Bhagrawa Kithsiri |
A thrilling game was showcased as both teams fought with all their
strength where the game was scaled in favour of both sides at different
stages. Colombo lads had a great comeback after trailing 19-20 points at
half time. They played with a superb teamwork in the second half to
prove their supremacy over HSC Blues.
Praneeth Udumalagala was the best scorer for the winners and
contributed 16 points while Prageeth of HSC Blues scored nine points.
Air Force Basketball Club beat HSC Blacks by 62 points to 42 in the
other match worked off at the same venue.
HSC Blacks entered the game with the steady start. But the gallant
Airmen snatched the lead midway of the first quarter and maintained the
same momentum till the end of the first quarter by scoring 19 points and
restricting the HSC Blacks to 10 points. The lads from Air Force BC
extended their margin with some easy baskets and three shots. The HSC
Players tried hard with forceful attack to make a threat towards their
rivals, but they were not strong enough to overcome the powerful Airmen
as they had laid a strong foundation. The Air Force led 35 – 21 at half
time.
In the third quarter, Air Force broadened their gap making the game a
tough task for the HSC Blacks. Blacks tried to make inroads but they
couldn’t succeed due to their poor teamwork. Airmen played an aggresive
game and gave away some free shots on their team fouls but managed to
maintain their control through out the match.
When it came to the final quarter, the lads from Hambantota seemed to
be bit nervous which helped the Airmen to beat them with a comfortable
13-point lead. Airmen proved their prowess in the end sealing the match
62 – 49.
Ravi Dodangoda (17 points) and Dilshan Wille (13 points) were the
highest scorers for Sri Lanka Air Force BC while Andrew (13 points) and
Dhammika (10 points) were the best contributors for the losers.
HSC Blues will battle it out with Air Force in the play-off to select
the other finalists tomorrow at the Henry Padris courts. |