Sports
Pun’s last-gasp heroics sink Nepal Police Club
Samriddhi Gorillas close in on final with a narrow victory as ISO Kite see off SaipalAdarsha Dhakal
Pratikshya Pun scored her only, but crucial, four points in the last 16 seconds as Samriddhi Gorillas once again prevailed in their match over Nepal Police Club to inch closer to the final of the Women’s Nepal Basketball League on Tuesday.
A thrilling contest between the two title contenders went down to the wire after they were locked on 35-35 with 16 seconds remaining in the final quarter. Pun, who had remained silent without a point, dealt killer punch after she sunk a 3-pointer. Police missed their opportunity at the other side of the court and fouled Pun to get back the possession with four seconds remaining.
Pun missed the first free throw but converted the other as Gorillas hung on to win the match 39-35 for their fourth consecutive victory. Gorillas are now left to play minnows Saipal Academy and another title contender ISO Kite with one win enough to see them through.
ISO Kite are bolstered by the two players from Philippines and one from Bhutan but only registered their first win in three matches on Tuesday beating Saipal 72-63. NPC are second in the standings with six points from four games. Winless Saipal now face exit after losing their first three matches.
In the morning match at neutral venue in Times International College, Gorillas began with a four-point (9-5) lead before Police made it a three-point game after the completion of second quarter which they took 9-8. Gorillas went seven points ahead heading into the decider taking the penultimate quarter 13-9.
Police fought back hard and just when it seemed the match would extend to the Over Time, Pun struck with decisive four points. NPC led the final quarter 12-9. Skipper Sadina Shrestha netted 11 points and took 10 rebounds for Gorillas. Anush Malla posted her third 10-plus points in fourth match scoring 14 points.
In the evening fixture, Filipino duo Allana May Lim and Mary Joy Garcia combined for 47 points to hand ISO Kite their first victory in the tournament. Lim was the major contributor for them with 27 points, 24 rebounds and two assists. A strong performance in the first quarter led the foundation for ISO Kite victory, who scored 23 points during the period and restricted Saipal to 12.
The lead extended to 15 points after ISO Kite led the second quarter 15-11. Saipal fought back in the next two quarters but by then it was too late. They led the third and fourth quarters 17-13 and 23-21 respectively. Pratikshya Magar rolled in 15 points and took 13 rebounds for Saipal.
Army finish at the top
Tribhuvan Army Club finished at the top of the men’s event of the Nepal Basketball League defeating Kirtipur Basketball Team 89-77 on Tuesday. TAC finished their double league campaign with 27 points, one ahead of Times. The top two teams will meet each other in the three-match Qualifier in the playoffs.
In the Eliminator match, Nepal Police Club will take on Golden Gate International Club. The winner of the Eliminator will take on loser of the first Qualifier to enter the final. NPC and Golden Gate have one match in hand each.
Skipper Robin Khatri was once again the key in Army victory after he netted 27 points for the departmental side in Kirtipur. The match started with a 24-23 lead for Army and the away team also led the second 20-16 but Kirtipur still remained in the game. The evenly fought third quarter ended 20-20 but Army raced away in the final quarter leading 25-18.
Ayush Singh and Siddhartha Maharjan also scored 13 points each for Army. Suraj Khadgi netted 18 points for Kirtipur who will meet Golden Gate in the league’s last match on Thursday. On Wednesday, NPC will take on Royal Basketball Club in Sanogaun to determine their position in the league.