Punjab boys, Kerala girls triumph in basketball finals

NEWDELHI: 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.

HT PHOTO The victorious Haryana girls’ hockey team, which won the gold after beating Jharkhand in the Khelo India School Games, in New Delhi on Thursday.

HT Kerala cagers are a jubilant lot after their victory in the final.