Prime staged a superb display in the final quarter to defeat defending champions Capital College and Research Centre (CCRC) 62-48 in the boys’ final. White House defeated holders Prime in the girls’ section never allowing their opponents to settle in the final before winning 53-43. Tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Anusha Malla’s 16 points made the difference for White House.

CCRC were leading until the end of third quarter before Prime staged a late comeback in the final quarter. CCRC opened the game with a four-point (14-10) lead before Prime cut the deficit to one point taking the second quarter 19-16. CCRC retained their four-point lead scoring 12 in the third quarter with CCRC settling for nine points.

The match then took a complete U-turn after Prime scored frequently pouring in 24 points. CCRC could only manage six points in the decider. MVP Sonam Lama scored 17 points for Prime with Anish Magar also top scoring in the match with 17.

While the boys’ final was marked by a remarkable fightback from Prime, White House had a different story who never looked back in the game once they took a 16-12 lead in the first quarter in girls’ title showdown. They stretched the lead to 13 points scoring 18 points in the second quarter when Prime could manage only nine.

Prime staged some fight taking the third quarter 12-11 but they still trailed by 12 points going into the decider. The hosts also took the final quarter 11-7 but White House’s 13-point lead after the end of second period was enough to secure them the championship. Luniva Singh scored 14 points for Prime.

Shakya retires

Former South Asian Swimming gold medallist and internaitonal basketball player Nayana Shakya has ended her playing career on Friday. Shakya, who had already retired as an international and national swimmer, quit her national and international career as a hoopster during the final day of the 12th Prime Cup Inter-college Basketball Championships. She had been playing from Prime College in the domestic tournaments. She had participated in various international basketball tournaments—her last appearance was in the 17th Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea from September 19 to October 4.