KARACHI: Nishtar Club, Iqra University and Bounce Club won their openers in the Quaid-i-Azam Cup basketball tournament which commenced at the Arambagh floodlit court on Sunday evening.

Talha Amjad guided Nishtar club to an emphatic 55-39 victory over One Unit Club after enjoying 30-16 lead at half time. Except for the second quarter, the match was keenly contested which is evident from the scores –10-9, 20-7, 15-13, 10-10.

Talha top scored with 29 and was followed by SClub 39-32 habbar 10. Talal was equally good for the losers scoring 25 and was ably assisted by Kashif, who finished with nine.

Irqa University overcome Atambagh Club 39-32 in the second match that was marred by rough play by both the teams.

The losers should curse themselves for the defeat as they led 17-14 at half time and 25-17 at the end of third quarter. However, tempers flared of some players in the last quarter that changed the complexion of the match. Iqra won the last quarter 22-7 to clinch the match.

Zain-ul-Abedin of the Arambagh Club and Saifullah of iqra University were sent out by referee in the third quarter for remaining period of the match. Saad Tariq of Iqra was also warned off.

Danish finished in double figures scoring 13 for the winners while Jazib scored 17 for the losers.

In the third match Bounce Club brushed aside Askari Club 51-24 to earn full points. The winners led 24-12 at half time.

Mubashir and Atif turned out to be promising with 18 and 16 points respectively while Anas scored nine for the losers.

Published in Dawn December 27th, 2016