KARACHI: Defending champions Neighbourhood United are a step away from retaining title after they inflicted a 47-33 defeat on host Arambagh Club in the first semi-final of Ramazan Cup basketball tournament at the latter’s floodlit court on Tuesday night.

They will take on the winner of the second semi-final between Gulshan Hawks and Bounce Club in Friday’s title clash.

The tall and athletically built players of Neighbourhood United enjoyed an upper hand over the hosts with the exception of first quarter when the losers drew level nine-all.

After first quarter the trio comprising Ahad Javeri, Hammad Khan and Raja Jehanzaib made quick moves adding 20 valuable points in the second as against eight by losers to finish 29-17 at half time.

The Arambagh players, at times, lacked scoring skills and their attempts missed the target on several occasions.

Ahad and Hammad shared 24 points amongst themselves while Raja followed in with 11.

Fazeel was the main scorer for losers with 10 while Rehan Patel and Adnan Ali scored six and five respectively for losers.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2014