KARACHI, April 7: Defending champions, Army, and last year’s losing finalist, Railways, maintained their fine run when the super league of Inter departmental basketball championship got underway at the National Sports Training and Coaching Centre (NSTCC) on Friday.

Army who topped pool ‘A’ accounted for PAF 83-45 to keep their winning record intact. The soldiers led 43-26 at half time.

PAF powered their way into the super league stage occupying second slot in pool ‘A’ to join Army, Railways and Police in the four-team contest which concludes on Sunday.

In fact, PAF and Wapda were tied after they finished the pool matches with three triumphs apiece. However, the former propelled as they had beaten the latter when the two came across in the group.

Internationals Nawazish Ali and Pervez Hussain shone for the soldiers contributing 18 and 17 points. Mohammad Ilyas and Mudassar Khan shared 16 points amongst themselves.

Gul Hasan Bangash and Imran Munir netted 13 points each for the airmen.

In an earlier match, international Allah Bux starred for Railways who disposed off Police 76-41 without facing much resistance.

Bux proved his mettle and was home with 23 points. He was followed by Azher Qayoom Khan 19, Arif Khan 11 and Amir Rasheed 10.

Zaheer Iqbal with 16 points top scored for Policemen.

The victories of Army and Railways on the opening day of super league are an indication that this year’s competition is heading for a repeat of last year.

In the two matches played Thursday night, Wapda stormed back in the second half to overcome POF 82-68 after being locked 40-40 at the lemon break.

PAF also conjured up a convincing 58-39 victory over Rangers after they were up 34-17 at half time.

Meanwhile, the Karachi City District Amateur Basketball Association (KCDABBA) Thursday night feated all the participating teams to a dinner.