KARACHI, Sept 7: International Muhammad Ashraf produced an excellent performance to help HBL snatch the Independence Day basketball crown when they beat KESC 78-73 in a thrilling final at Arambagh Court Friday night.

HBL staged a grand rally from 28-33 down at breather to change the complexion of the final thanks to a spectacular show by skipper Ashraf.

Demonstrating masterly dribbling, passing and concerted moves Ashraf tore apart KESC defence, scoring 23 points in the second period including two three-pointers to set tempo for his team’s win.

KESC enjoyed the upper hand in the first session mainly due to superb show by duo of Arif Khan and Wasim-ur-Rehman. Arif did the bulk of scoring for his team by contributing 28 points and Wasim scored 23.

Things changed after the half time and HBL took the control as they created combined moves to baffle KESC defenders. Ashraf got good support from Altaf Habib, Umar Farooq and Muhammad Azam.

In the neck to neck second half, HBL scored 40 to KESC 30 points to emerge winner.

HBL side comprising all its Karachi-based players also fielded their manager and coach Muhammad Azam and S.M. Tanvir.

Summarised scores: HBL 78 (Capt Muhammad Ashraf 34, Altaf Habib 16, M.Azam 12, Umar Farooq 12, S.M.Tanvir 4) KESC 73 (Arif Khan 28, Wasim-ur-Rehman 23, Talha Amjad 10, Khurram Sarwar 8).—APP