KARACHI: After playing neck and neck in the first two quarters of the final, experience finally prevailed when fancied Nishtar Club overcome fighting Askari Alphas Club 47-41 to win the Pakistan Day basketball tournament at the Arambagh floodlit court on Sunday evening.

A sizeable holiday crowd watched the final.

The winners, who were held to 21-all at half time and trailed 34-36 at the end of third quarter, rejuvenated in the last quarter and turned the tide in their favour not only to win it 13-5 but the title as well in an exciting finish.

Ali Chanzaib stole the limelight scoring 21 including one three-pointer. He was assisted by Talha Amjad 14 and Asad Ali five.

Shahmeer and Bakhtiar finished in double figures for the losers with 14 and 10 respectively followed by Arsalan seven.

Both the teams have secured top two positions in the six-team single league and qualified for the final.

One Unit Club and Malir Trojans Club were awarded fair play trophies. Engr Syed Mahfooz-ul-Haq, who is a former basketball player himself, graced the final and gave away the prizes.

The Karachi Basketball Association (KBA) president Ghulam Mohammad and secretary Tariq Hussain, were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2017