Binod Maharjan starred with a triple double as Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) began their Basketball League campaign with an easy 87-73 victory over Bishal Milan Kendra at the NSC covered hall on Saturday.

The Armymen, studded with national hoopsters, dominated the game from the first quarter after building a 24-11 lead. Against the relatively weaker opponents, TAC gave their second five most of the chances and it only helped BMK to reduce the deficit in the game. Maharjan was at the centre of TAC game scoring 24 points that included three three-pointers, had 11 assists and a whooping 15 rebounds. Sadish Pradhan also netted 16 points in TAC victory, while Rabin Khatri netted 14. Khatri had a double double with 13 assists.

TAC’s lead stretched to 15 points after they added another 19 to that of 17 from BMK. The losing side did make a comeback in the game scoring 25 in the third quarter when TAC could only add 16. But title contenders TAC made sure they don’t have early hiccups in the tournament sinking in 28 in the fourth and final quarter. BMK scored 20 in the last quarter. 

Bikash Gurung topscored with 22 points for BMK and rolled in three three-pointers. Sashwat Bikram Shah netted 14. Gurung was the best performer for BMK with 10 rebounds and four assists.

The tournament, organised by Play for Deprive Children Nepal, is the country’s first ever home and away double league in club level basketball and is participated in by eight teams. The teams will play each other home and away before the top four teams make it to the playoffs. 

On Sunday, Himalayan Hounds will play away to Kirtipur Basketball Team. Other teams in the event include South Siders Basketball Club, Xavier International College, Team Budhanilkantha Municipality and Golden Gate