Punjab boys, Kerala girls triumph in basketball finals
NEW DELHI: A calm Punjab found a second wind in the fourth quarter to beat back a stiff Delhi challenge and eke out a 78-76 win in the boys’ basketball final at the Khelo India School Games on Thursday.
The boys’ final contrasted the girls’ contest which Kerala won comfortably against Haryana 90-47.
Delhi appeared to have learnt a lesson from their 56-65 defeat by Punjab in the league game and came within sniffing distance of gold when they led 57-49 at the end of the third quarter.
Punjab’s grit and resilience helped them edge ahead with a last-gasp basket by skipper Princepal Singh to prevent the final from slipping into extra time.
Surprisingly, Punjab’s allcourt skill came to the fore only when they were pushed to a corner. Rajan spearheaded the late charge, taking on the additional responsibility of playmaker as Binod was shadowed admirably by Amit.
KERALA GIRLS WIN Kerala powered their way to the crown with a facile victory over Haryana. Kerala came out all guns blazing and opened up a sizable lead in the first quarter, leaving Haryana dazed. Kerala’s aggressive tactics, built around the tall trio of Ann Mary of Kottayam, Anu Mariya of Thalassery and skipper Sreekala R of Nalanchira, caught the Haryana side unawares.
By the time Haryana countered with fast breaks to find the basket, Kerala had opened an unassailable lead.