KARACHI: District South and Hyderabad advanced after winning their respective matches in contrasting styles in the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Cup basketball tournament which commenced at Arambagh floodlit court on Friday evening.

South, who trailed up to the third quarter, changed the complexion of the group “A” match in the fourth turning the tables on their opponents district Malir by emerging 58-53 victorious in a close finish.

Playing at their home court, the eventual champions had a dismal start losing the first quarter 9-19. They bounced back to clinch the second 18-10 but trailed 27-29 at half time.

After resumption, the winners again lost the third quarter 13-19 but surprisingly overcome complacency to win the last quarter 18-5 as well as the match.

Zain-ul-Abedin played instru­mental role in his team’s victory mustering 21 points. He was assisted by Jazib who scored 19 and Fazeel Ahmed 12.

Playing their first match, Hyderabad outplayed district Central in group “B” opener. The winners led 34-8 points at half time.

Naveed top scored for the winners with 18 and was followed by Ali Raza’s 14.

Published in Dawn December 4th, 2016