Hyderabad YMCA edges Mustangs in hard-fought basketball league clash

Hyderabad YMCA defeated Mustangs 70-64 in a thrilling Level II stage match of the annual basketball league for the G M Sampath Kumar Trophy. Vishwanath led the charge with 17 points as YMCA maintained their lead in a close contest

Hyderabad: Hyderabad YMCA scored a hard-fought 70-64 win against Mustangs after leading 31-29 at half-time in the Level II stage of the annual basketball league championship for G M Sampath Kumar Trophy here.

The match started neck and neck with both teams matching basket for basket, Vinod scoring two three-pointers for Mustangs in combination with Akhil, who scored through drive-ins, whereas it was more of a team effort as all the five players chipped in as Mustangs led 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Hyderabad YMCA regrouped to score 16 points and restricted Mustangs to just 13 points to go ahead 31-29 at half-time.

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After the change of ends, Hyderabad YMCA continued in the same rhythm to score 20 points through Saketh and Krish to take a decisive 51-44 lead over Mustangs. In the last quarter, Mustangs tried very hard, scoring through Vinod and Akhil, who together scored 20 points, but Vishwanath of Hyderabad YMCA chipped in with timely baskets to maintain the lead and finally won the match 70-64.

The scores: Hyderabad YMCA 70 (Vishwanath 17, Krish 16, Saketh 15) bt Mustangs 64 (Vinod 29, Akhil 26).