Colombo BC enters Carlton Cup final

Thushan Jayasuriya

Defending Champions Colombo BC booked their final berth after a tense battle with Hambantota 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 on Monday.

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 49 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 today at the Henry Padris courts.