KARACHI, Sept 5: As expected formidable Habib Bank Limited (HBL) qualified for the final of Independence Day Basketball Championship with a convincing 97-62 victory over Karachi Basketball Club (KBBC) at Arambagh Floodlit Court Wednesday night.

The bankers led 49-26 at halftime in the first semifinal.

However, KBBC put up a far better performance in the second session by notching up 36 points.

Mohammad Azam gave another consistent display by emerging highest scorer with 37 points. He got excellent support from former international Muhammad Ashraf, who made 25 points with two three-pointers.

Sultan Habib led KBBC’s scoring with 28 points. Asif Yahya, who made four three-pointers in his tally of 16 points.

Result:

HBL 97 (Mohammad Azam 37, Mohammad Ashraf 25, Umar Farooq 18, Altaf Habib 14) beat KBBCA 62 (Sultan Habib 28, Asif Yahya 16).—APP