Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) entered the playoffs of the Kwiks Basketball League with a comprehensive 84-61 victory over Kirtipur Basketball Team on Saturday. 

In the home match at Army headquarters, Sadish Pradhan netted 29 points and took 16 rebounds as the Armymen scripted their 10th consecutive victory to confirm a spot in the playoffs. 

Golden Gate International College (GGIC) are second in the eight-team standings with 24 points following their 89-52 victory over Team Budanilkantha Municipality (TBM) in the day’s evening match. 

GGIC, who have played 12 matches, are ahead of Bishal Milan Kendra (BMK) on score difference after the two teams were tied on points. BMK have played two matches less than GGIC. Only GGIC and BMK can now overtake TAC provided they lose rest of the games. Himalayan Hounds are fourth with 18 points from 11 games. 

Kirtipur, who have now lost five matches in row, are still in the hunt with 12 points. On Saturday, TAC took an 18-12 lead in the first quarter and stretched it to 13 points taking the second 10 minutes 19-12. Kirtipur remained in the game taking a 19-18 lead for a 12-point deficit in the third quarter. But TAC raced away in the final quarter scoring a whooping 29 and restricting their opponents to 18. 

Rabin Khatri also scored 23 for TAC, making 10 assists and eight rebounds. Abhishek Singh scored 20 points for Kirtipur. Anil Khadgi Shahi scored 14 points.

At the GGIC basketball court in Battisputali, the hosts virtually sealed the game in the first two quarters. They were 10-point (19-9) ahead after the end of first quarter and build a 36-point advantage heading into the second half netting a massive 33 and restricting TBM to just seven points. 

A three-point (18-15) lead in the third quarter made it a 39-point game. The only consolation for TBM in the game was in the final quarter which they led 21-19. Binod Shrestha rolled in five 3-pointers in his 28 points, while Rajiv Joshi scored netted 17 points and had eight rebounds.