Bishal Milan Kendra (BMK) registered a comeback victory over South Siders Basketball Club to go into the second spot of the Kwiks Basketball League on Friday. 

In their home match at the Bishalnagar basketball court, BMK trailed throughout the game before fighting back in the final quarter to stun South Siders 70-61 for their eighth victory in 10 matches to script 24 points in the table. They trail Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) three points but the leaders have played one match less.

Golden Gate International College (GGIC), who have played 11 matches, are third with 21 points and Himalayan Hounds are fourth with 18 points from as many games. Kirtipur Basketball Team are fifth with 18 points. South Siders, Team Budanilkantha Municipality (TBM) have six points each with only score difference separating them. 

While Xavier are already knocked out of the tournament, playoff chances for South Siders and TBM are just hanigng by thread.

At BMK’s home on Friday, South Siders went ahead with a big 12-point lead scoring 23 and stopping the hosts on 11 points. BMK reduced the deficit to nine points in the second quarter that they took 21-13. They still trailed by five points despite leading the third quarter 12-8. 

But South Siders were left stunned after BMK scored a whooping 26 points in the final quarter and restricted their opponents to 12. Bikash Gurung rolled in six 3-pointers in his match-winning 32 points. He also had eight rebounds. Bibek Shrestha chipped in with 15 and Bimal Karki netted 11 points and took six rebounds.

Rabin Gautam was once again the lone fighter for South Siders scoring 24 points that included four 3-pointers. Subrat Rajopadhyaya netted 10 points and took six rebounds. 

On Saturday, Kirtipur will travel to Nepal Army club headquarters in Bhadrakali for an away match against  TAC and GGIC will host TBM in Battisputali. A defeat on Saturday will effectively end TBM’s playoffs hopes. The double round robin league tournament is organised by Play for Deprived Children Nepal.