SBI pip Golden Phoenixes 64-61 and YMCA Hyderabad edge Young Men Guild 73-69

State Bank of India (SBI, Hyderabad) scored their first win and YMCA Hyderabad overcame a fighting Young Men Guild in the GM Sampath Kumar Annual League Basketball Championship at the YMCA Secunderabad on Tuesday.

In a well-contested match State Bank of India registered a hard fought 64-61 win over Golden Phoenixes after leading 32-27 at half-time. In another thrilling contest, YMCA Hyderabad got the better of Young Men Guild 73-69 after trailing 33-35 at half-time.

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The SBI and Golden Phoenixes match started with both teams opening their account through 3-pointers.  Samuel began SBI while Anurag scored for Golden Phoenixes but the experienced Srinath controlled the ball well and made a difference in the first quarter. Srinath’s accurate passes were converted into baskets by Samuel as the bankers went onto score 19 points. Golden Phoenixes could manage just nine points and thereby gave SBI a handy 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Golden Phoenixes tightened their defense around Samuel but Srinath tanked two from the perimeter as SBI managed to garner 13 points. David and Khadeer combined well for Golden Phoenixes to score 18 points and reduced the deficit to just five points. SBI went into the break leading 32-27 at half-time.

After change of ends, Golden Phoenixes continued the same strategy and aided with four 3-pointers reduced the deficit to a single point game (45-46 at end of third quarter.

In the fourth and final quarter, both teams matched basked-to-basket with the lead changing hands many a time. David and Sammy scored through fast breaks for Golden Phoenixes but the experienced Srinath managed the reply well. With Samuel and in the later part of the quarter Sai combining well with Srinath, SBI continued to chip in with baskets at regular intervals and won the match 64-61.

In the other match, YMCA Hyderabad came from behind to pip Young Men Guild. YMCA were at the receiving end in the first half of the game and were trailing 33-35 but they put up an inspired show in the second half to emerge victorious.

Results: State Bank of India (Hyderabad) 64 (Samuel 19; Srinath 15; Sai 15; Sudheer 12) beat Golden Phoenixes 61 (David 16; Khadeer 14; Anurag 9; Anil 9). Half-time: 32-27.

YMCA Hyderabad 73 (Aadvik 33; Krish 24; Gattu 13) beat Young Men Guild 69 (Ravinder 22; Vishal 16; Harsha 13). Half-time: 33-35.