KARACHI: A last-gasp score helped Nishtar Club edge holders Neighbourhood Club 33-32 that changed the scenario of the otherwise fair second semi-final of the 12th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Cup basketball tournament at the Arambagh floodlit court on Sunday evening.

Trailing 31-32 at the fag end, Nishtar Club got possession of the ball and Ali Chanzeb, after entering the opponent’s citadel, released the ball that went into the net. Referee Jawaid Khan counted basket good and signaled for a side ball to Neighbourhood Club for the foul that the player had committed while shooting.

Uproar followed as players of Neighbourhood challenged the referee’s decision and argued for getting two free shots instead of side ball but the referee and organisers stuck to their stand.

“Be it unintentional, intentional or human error, referees decision is always final and the teams should acc­ept it by displaying sportsmanship,” organising secretary, Tariq Hussain, who is also the secretary of the Karachi Basketball Association (KBA) told Dawn.

The match was played at fast pace and the two teams for most part of it adopted defensive strategy. The ratio of scoring, however, remained low.

Nishtar Club trailed 4-8 at first quarter but won the second 7-5 to finish 11-13 at half time.

The third quarter saw Nishtar Club winning 9-7 as the game stood at 20-all. Again, at one stage the outfits were locked 29-all before Neighbourhood surged 32-31 and eventually lost the battle 32-33.

Chanzeb was outstanding for the winners with 17. Talha and Asad were not in their true elements and finished with seven and five respectively.

Abdullah starred for the losers with a tally of 16 and was followed by Ali Ahmed five.

Earlier, Bounce Club trounced Askari Alphas 50-41 to make it to the final.

The winners led 20-18 at half time.

The trio of Mubashir (17), Mudassir (15) and Zia (14) steered the team to success.

Though Samie top scored with 19 for the losers but his effort went in vain. Bakhtiar scored 10.

The final between Bounce Club and Nishtar Club will be played on Tuesday at 7pm.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2017