Budhanilkantha Municipality Basketball Club earned an important victory to push for Nepal Basketball League playoffs, while Times International Club are just one win away from the top four spots on Saturday.

In an away match, Budhanilkantha stunned hosts Nepal Police Club 74-68 to climb to the third spot with 18 points from 12 matches. Times, who stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games following an 84-69 victory over Royal Basketball Club, lead the table with 22 points. Tribhuvan Army Club are second with 19 points from 11 matches.

Police were pushed to fourth spot with 17 points, while Golden Gate are fifth with 16 points. Both of them have played 11 matches apiece. Kirtipur Basketball Team (12 pts), Royal Basketball Club (11) and South Siders Basketball Club (11) are almost heading towards elimination from the eight-team double round robin league tournament.

In Dhumbarahi, Budhanilkantha took a 27-23 lead in the first quarter before NPC reduced the deficit to two points leading the second period 16-14. They stretched the lead to five points after taking the third quarter 18-15, while a slim 15-14 lead in the final quarter handed Budhanilkantha a slim victory in the match.

Saurav Shrestha scored 27 points for Budhanikantha for his ninth 20 plus scored in the tournament. He also took 12 rebounds and had five steals. Dibesh Bhakta Shrestha (15), Saugat Deep Singh (13) and Biraj Rana (11) also made crucial contributions for them. Jasang Sunwar netted 17 points for NPC who have not been able to make full use of their three international recruits from Bangladesh national team.

In Charkhaal, Sri Lanka recruit Praneeth Udumalagal gave his second consecutive man-of-the-match performance scoring 16 points, taking 11 rebounds and having two steals to lead Times to another comfortable victory. Sadhish Pradhan scored 25 points for the winners.