KARACHI: Bounce Club and Gulshan Hawks set a title clash after registering contrasting victories over their opponents in the two semi-finals of the Sindh Sports Board (SSB) Ramazan Cup basketball tournament at the Arambagh floodlit court on Thursday night.

In the first semi-final, Bounce Club overcome first quarter deficit to post an emphatic 44-39 victory over Nishtar Club after enjoying 24-20 lead at half time. The winners, who trailed 9-12 in the first quarter, accelerated the pace winning the next 15-8. They enhanced their lead winning the third quarter 12-8. Though they lost the fourth narrowly 8-11, but that could not deny them victory.

Prolific scorer Atif Nawaz, who was declared Man of the Match, mustered 17 points and was ably supported by Zia Ahmed eight and Mubashir seven respectively.

Talha Amjad and Asad Ali performed equally good for losers and amassed 16 and 15 points respectively.

Gulshan Hawks stunned Neighbourhood Club 29-19 in the low scoring second semi-final.

Saifullah and Mahad Tariq who contributed 15 and eight points respectively guided their team to victory. The winners led 18-8 at half time. The former won Man of the Match award.

Ahad Javeri and Raja Jehanzeb scored six and five points respectively for losers.

Both the finalists – Bounce Club and Gulshan Hawks – were bracketed in pool A. Earlier in the last groups matches played a day earlier on Wednesday, Bounce Club carved out 48-37 victory over Gulshan Hawks to emerge group champions.

Man of the Match Zia Ahmed who top scored with 18, Atif Nawaz 12 and Mohsin eight, shone for winners who led 24-18 at half time.

Saifullah and Mahad Tariq scored 17 and nine respectively for losers.

In the other match, Neighbourhood Club carved out 44-33 victory over Nishtar Club to emerge group B champions.

Displaying his acumen, Ahad Javeri stole the limelight scoring 20 points to steer his team to victory besides getting Man of the Match award. Hamza and Raja Jehanzeb scored nine and seven respectively. Ali Chenzeb and Talha Amjad scored 16 and eight points respectively for losers.

The final between Bounce Club and Gulshan hawks will be played on Saturday night.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2016