KARACHI: In an action-packed match, Army overcome Sindh Greens 78-71 to stretch their unbeaten run in five-team group A of the fifth Kashmir Cup Basketball Championship at the KPT Sports Complex wooden court on Wednesday.

With two wins already under their belt against Balochistan and Fata, the soldier’s nerves were tested by the local outfit that fought neck-and-neck before bowing out in the best match of the day.

It was tremendous fighting abilities that earned repeated applause to the Sindh Greens from the crowd for capitalising the opportunities, including three pointers. They have even earned 58-57 and 63-59 lead in the fourth quarter before the soldiers fought back not only to draw level 63-all but rounded off the match on winning note.

Following a jittery start that saw tall soldiers trail 13-14 in the first quarter, they managed to win the next 20-19 only to be tied 33-all at half time. However, the slender lead in the last two quarters – 24-20, 21-18 – helped them emerge victorious.

Javed Iqbal, who has steered his team to triumph in the previous two matches, was again pick of the match with a brilliant 23. Khalid Mahmood contributed 13. Talha Amjad Ali top scored for local outfit with 18. Abdullah Imam and M. Shabbar scored 15 and 13 respectively. Both scored three three-pointers apiece while Ali Chanzeb added 11.

Earlier, Punjab thwarted the challenge from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa posting 59-52 victory in group B match. Punjab has two wins and a defeat from three games so far.

Faisal Rehman scored 17 and was followed by Noman and Ali Khan 12 and seven respectively for winners. Saqib’s 25 for losers went in vain while Salman contributed 15.

Police overcome first two quarters deficit while registering an emphatic 58-52 victory over Islamabad. The Policemen, who trailed 10-12, 10-15 put their acts together to win the next two 20-16, 18-9 to emerge victorious.

Their victory revolves around Ali Raza, who mustered 22. He was followed by Shoaib Nasir 14, M. Rehman and Anthony Victor 11 apiece. The latter scored three three-pointers. Farhan and Khawaja Saud scored 14 and 12 apiece for losers.

Late entrant Navy sent Balochistan packing 56-30 in the fourth and last match played on Tuesday evening. They led 23-19 at half time.

Amanual Fayyaz shone by scoring magnificent 24 while Nazakat and Anas contributed 14 and seven respectively. Danish and Owais scored 14 and nine respectively for the losers.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2015

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