KARACHI: Bounce Club shocked holders Neighbourhood Club 34-22 to top group A in the 12th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Cup basketball tournament at the Arambagh floodlit court on Friday evening.

The result, however, had no bearing as by virtue of finishing runners-up, Neighbourhood Club also cruised into the last four.

The two teams fought on even kneel in the first three quarters of the encounter. Neighbourhood gave up in the fourth quarter.

Bounce Club led 11-9 in the first quarter and was tied with their opponents five-all in the next to enjoy 16-14 lead at half time. The Bounce Club won the third 8-6 before winning the last 10-2 as Neighbourhood crumbled.

The pair of Shahmir and Zia were instrumental in their team’s success scoring 10 points apiece.

Abdullah and Raja could only score seven and five points respectively for the losers.

Meanwhile, Askari Alphas carved out a nail-biting 51-49 victory over Arambagh Club to halt latter’s unbeaten run in group B.

Askari Alphas enjoyed slender 28-24 lead at half time winning the first quarter 17-10 and losing the second 11-14.

Though Arambagh fought bravely in the third and fourth quarters but in the end lost the battle by two points. Arambagh won the third 7-6 and the fourth 17-18 but to no avail.

Adnan and Samie garnered 15 and 13 points respectively for the winners while Jazib, Kazim and Raj Kumar finished with 12, nine and eight respectively for the losers.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2017