Ghatkopar YMCA in women’s final

MUMBAI: Ghatkopar YMCA snatched a thrilling 47-45 win over Bandra YMCA to storm into the women’s final, in the 125th YMCAOpen Basketball Tournament, at the Ghatkopar YMCA. A

Ghatkopar YMCA delighted with a heartwarming vintage performance to quell the determined challenge of a youthful Bandra YMCA to set up the championship round against Indian Gymkhana. Savio Club quelled the late challenge of Ghatkopar YMCA to enter the men’s semi-finals with a 79-65 win, while Maharashtra State Police halted Central YMCA 79-58 in another quarterfinal. Holding on to a slender 22-20 lead at half time and a 32-30 advantage at the end of the third quarter, Ghatkopar YMCA’s former stars blended brilliant combination with shrewd tactics that reflected the elixir of experience. With undiminished passion, former Central Railway star Geo Blessen, who top-scored with 22 points, utilised her lanky demeanour to good advantage and led the charge for Ghatkopar YMCA with delightful lay-ups and rebounds to score at regular intervals. Blessen was splendidy aided by her veteran teammates Lissa Rani, Bridgit Panicker, Beena Ovy and Meena Shah who played equally significant roles in the win. Ghatkopar YMCA’s success though was not without some anxious moments endured in the last minute of a nail-biting finish. As they led 47-41 just 45 seconds from close, Yashika Panchal’s stunning threepointer kept Bandra YMCA’s hopes alive.