KARACHI, Jan 28: Formidable City School PAF Chapter retained their title when they notched up 38-28 victory over Happy Home School in the closely fought final of the SSB Inter-school basketball championship at the PSB Coaching Centre on Friday.

The eventual champions fought courageously in the post interval session to win the battle after being tied 16-all at half time. Earlier, the winners trailed 8-9 at the end of first quarter.

The two teams fought neck-and-neck in the first two quarters and were often tied at 10-10, 12-12 and 14-14.

Happy Home School had made it to their first final of an Inter-school basketball event in recent years after getting past Foundation Public School in pre-final on Thursday.

They gave a tough time to winners enjoying slender 9-8 and 14-12 lead over their opponents in the first half of the final. However, they gave up and never recovered till the final hooter losing the third quarter 5-13 and the fourth and final 7-9.

Shabbir capitalised most scoring opportunities to finish with a tally of 11. He was supported by Siraj nine and Asad seven.

Jehanzaib played an important role for the losers with a solo score of 10. Imad scored seven.

The City School PAF Chapter has become synonymous with basketball as the institution had won some 25 to 30 titles over a period of years under their hardworking coach Tariq Hussain.

Earlier, The City School Gulshan Campus seized third position defeating Foundation Public School 30-22 in the playoff.

Noman top scored for winners with 12. He was ably assisted by Wahab eight and Yousuf five.

Despite scoring a brilliant 14, Jehanzaib could not save FPS from defeat. Imad scored four.

The City School PAF Chapter received glittering winning trophy from Sindh Sports Minister, Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah soon after the final. The chief guest also awarded runners-up trophy to Happy Home School. Certificates were also distributed to all competing schools besides shields.

Former international Abdul Nasir, the moving spirit behind the success of the event, was also present.

29 teams featured in the weeklong contest which was organised by Karachi City District Basketball Association in collaboration with the Sindh Sports Board and Sindh Basketball Association.