BHEL scored a thrilling one-point victory over State Bank of India (Hyderabad) on Day 2 of the Level-II League matches at the GM Sampath Kumar Annual League Basketball Championship at the YMCA Secunderabad on Saturday. BHEL, who led SBI 32-29 at half-time, pulled off a 64-63 win.
The experienced State Bank of India hoopsters started well with Srinath controlling and contributing six points. Sai Kumar and Sukar scored four points each through drive-ins as the bankers got 17 points in the first quarter.
BHEL started slowly but picked up pace as Nikhilesh contributed five points. With Joseph scoring off the perimeter, BHEL garnered13 points as SBI led 17-13 at end of the first quarter.
Golden Phoenixes prove quite a handful for Saints as they post an 83-67 victory
SBI continued in the same rhythm in the second quarter and were able to score 12 points. However, BHEL, playing a fast-paced game with Paritosh and Sohan scoring off fast breaks, reached within striking distance of the SBI score. Joseph tanked two 3-pointers as BHEL grabbed the lead as they scored 19 points in the second quarter. BHEL went into the break with a 32-29 scoreline in their favour.
After change of ends, SBI and BHEL continued to score in a similar fashion. SBI got 12 points, while BHEL got 19 as the latter consolidated their lead by 10 points as they finished the third quarter at 51-41.
In the fourth quarter, SBI fought back as they tightened their defense. With Samuel netting quick baskets through drive-ins and aided with two 3-pointers from Sudheer, SBI levelled the scores 58-58. The game went neck-and-neck but with just 14 seconds left on the clock, Samuel scored through a drive to reduce the scores to 64-63 in favour of BHEL.
The winners managed to hold on to the ball for the remaining period and deny their rivals a chance to score.
Mahendra Hills down Young Men Guild
In another closely fought match, Mahendra Hills Basketball Club scored a pulsating 65-62 win over Young Men Guild after leading 28-25 at half-time.
Results: BHEL 64 (Joseph 21; Paritosh 14; Nikhilesh 14; Surendra 11) beat State Bank of India, Hyderabad 63 (Samuel 14; Srinath 13; Sudheer 12; Subba Rao 8; Sai 8). Half-time: 32-29.
Mahendra Hills BC 65 (Tanay 20; Tagore 18; Daniel 9) beat Young Men Guild 62 (Ravindra 17; Vishal 14; Ron 7; Ruthik 6). Half-time: 28-25.
