KARACHI: Holders Neighbourhood Club survived a scare before beating Karachi Colts 39-33 to maintain an unbeaten run in the 12th National Bank of Pakistan Cup basketball tournament at the Arambagh floodlit court on Thursday evening.

Neighbourhood Club was shocked twice in their second group A match when they lost the first and third quarters to their opponents but the last quarter helped them win the encounter.

The winners, who lost the first quarter 7-8, managed to win the second 13-7 to seize 20-15 lead at half time. However, they were at the receiving end losing the third quarter 7-11 that reduced thei lead to 27-26. Finally, their team picked up momentum and won the last quarter 12-7 to avoid humiliation.

Abdulah and Hamza equally shared 18 points amongst themselves while Sadd returned with eight. Tehamy and Safeer turned out to be the most efficient players for the losers scoring 16 and 10 respectively.

Karachi Colts and One Unit Club are now out of contention of the last four berths from group A where Bounce Club and Neighbourhood Club will decide the top two spots.

Meanwhile, in an earlier match, Nishtar Club strengthened their chances for semi-final from the group B registering third straight victory by getting the better of Askari Alphas 48-37.

The winners led 27-14 at half time.

Nishtar Club opened the match on a positive note winning the first quarter 14-3 but thereafter, they came under pressure from rivals as they won the second 13-11, tied 12-all in the third and lost the last 9-11.

Aii Chanzeb and Talha Amjad Ali were the pick of the winners scoring 12 points apiece. Saifullah scored seven.

Samie and Adnan contributed 10 points apiece for the losers whil Usama scored six.Two teams from the three namely Arambagh Club, Nishtar Club and Askari Alphas are expected to propel into the last four from group B.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2017