Pavani does the star-turn for Gladiators who pull off a thrilling 62-58 win over Stallions

Golconda Gladiators held their nerve to pull off a close 62-58 win over Secunderabad Stallions in the Youth section of the Sub-Junior & Youth League 2026 for Boys & Girls, conducted by The Hyderabad District Basketball Association, at YMCA Secunderabad on Monday.

Golconda Gladiators had taken a handy 33-19 lead at half-time, but Secunderabad Stallions had pulled things back after the lemon break.

Golconda Gladiators dominate the first quarter with Pavani dictating the terms with 16 points. With Deeksha and Hiba controlling the ball well, the Gladiators scored a massive 23 points, whereas Secunderabad Stallions could muster only 7 points. Golconda Gladiators led 23-7 at end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the match was evenly contested as both teams matched basket to basket scoring 10 and 12 points respectively as Golconda Gladiators enjoyed a health 33-19 (a lead of 14 points) at half-time.

After change of ends, Secunderabad Stallions kept Pavani on a tight leash and that affected Golconda Gladiators’ scoring. There were turnovers for Golconda Gladiators which Secunderabad Stallions duly converted into points.

Golconda Gladiators were restricted to just 10 points and in turn Anya, Niddana and Sudeeksha combined well to score a massive 24 points for Stallions as they levelled the scores 43-43 at end of the third quarter.

The final quarter was a see-saw battle between both sides as the lead switched on almost every basket. With just 1 minute 46 seconds left for the match, Golconda Gladiators were trailing 57-58 but Pavani scored through a drive-in and effected a steal immediately to convert another basket off a foul. She then converted two free throws to take a decisive 62-58 lead with 46 seconds left on the clock.

Secunderabad Stallions tried hard for a basket but were denied by the tight defense of Golconda Gladiators who finally won the match 62-58.

Birla Blazers down Charminar Chargers

In another girls’ match Birla Blazers scored a comfortable 35-22 win over Charminar Chargers after leading 21-13 at half-time to start their campaign on a winning note.

Lishika scored 14 points, while Aneesh and Bhavya got 9 and 8 respectively for Birla Blazers. Haadiya got 6 and Medha 4 for Charminar Chargers.

Results: Youth girls: Golconda Gladiators 62 (Pavani 37, Ananya 7, Hiba 3, Snigdha 2) beat Secunderabad Stallions 58 (Sudeeksha 19, Niddana 13, Yakshita 11, Anya 11, Juhitha 4) Half-time: 33-19.

Birla Blazers 35 (Lishika14, Bhavya 8, Aneesha 9) beat Charminar Chargers 22 (Haadiya 6, Medha 4) Half-time: 21-13.