BHEL edge SBI by one point in GM Sampath Kumar basketball league

BHEL edged State Bank of India, Hyderabad, 64-63 in a thrilling GM Sampath Kumar Annual Basketball League Championship match at YMCA Secunderabad. Mahendra Hills Basketball Club also secured a close 65-62 victory over Young Men Guild on Saturday

Hyderabad: BHEL scored a thrilling 64-63 win over State Bank of India (SBI), Hyderabad, after leading 32-29 at half-time in the GM Sampath Kumar Annual Basketball League Championship at the YMCA, Secunderabad, on Saturday.

Experienced player PB Srinath controlled the game, scoring six points, while Sai Kumar and Sukar contributed four points each through drive-ins to help SBI pile up 17 points. BHEL relied on Nikhilesh (5) and Joseph (13) as the bankmen led 17-13. BHEL, however, took a 32-29 lead at half-time, thanks to Paritosh and Sohan.

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In the fourth quarter, SBI fought back, tightened its defence and, with Samuel scoring quick baskets through drive-ins, aided by two three-pointers from Sudheer, levelled the scores at 58-58.

In an exciting finish, BHEL led 64-61 with 14 seconds remaining. However, Samuel scored through a drive-in to make it a one-point game at 64-63. BHEL controlled the ball well in the remaining seconds to clinch the thriller.

In another close match, Mahendra Hills Basketball Club scored a narrow 65-62 win over Young Men Guild after leading 28-25 at half-time.

Scores: BHEL 64 (Joseph 21, Paritosh 14, Nikhilesh 14, Surendra 11) bt SBI Hyderabad 63 (Samuel 14, Srinath 13, Sudheer 12, Subba Rao 8, Sai 8).

Mahendra Hills BC 65 (Tanay 20, Tagore 18, Daniel 9) bt Young Men Guild 62 (Ravindra 17, Vishal 14, Ron 7, Ruthik 6).