The second semifinal of the Women`s A division was played between HSC Pinks and Track Masters BC. Track Masters BC sticking to the basics played valuable minutes as they rolled out for 58-37 victory.
The second semi-final match began with the traditional jump start with Pinks getting possession but they failed to get the scoreboard ticking. ErandiGallage from Track Masters drew first blood right after in the next. Track Masters put up a tight defense just inside the arc which made the opponents think twice before penetrating in. The last four minutes of the quarter Track Masters started leading the floor with Erandi Gallage, AnjaleeEkanayake, PrasadiFonseka and ErandiRajapaksha adding their scores by layups as they ease pass the Pinks defense. (Track Masters-20 vs HSC Pinks-12)
Pinks started the second quarter with a combination of man to man and defense. This strategy helped them in blocking the shots attempted by Track masters. While progressing through the quarter Track Masters opted for pick and roll play in offense where ErandiRajapakshaand Kumarini Silva kept score board ticking. Pinks who did start the quarter well with defense was not on point with offense until the last two minutes. Opting for fast breaks Natasha Perera and DilumiGunwardhana swished the nets as the reduced the deficit into ten points as the game halted for lemons.
Half time – Track Masters – 30 HSC Pinks – 20
HSC Pinks commenced the third quarter with a full court press in defense which was off-radar. It was not much of an ask for the opponents to score once they cross the half way mark of a shaky defense. Track masters not only had a good offense, they also had a strong double team defense that kept the Pinks away from the net. Pinks only got the chance to score a shot at the very last minute in the quarter, giving a handful of a lead to the Track Masters.
Pinks commenced the final six hundred seconds as Shanuri De Silva swished the nets. Track Masters got possession of the ball and started scoring for the last quarter.Even though the Pinks did opt for the man to man defense they were fighting a lost battle. Track Masters capitalizing on the early foundation went on a scoring rampage as they settled the score board with twenty one point lead at full time.
Full time – Track masters – 58 HSC Pinks – 37
ThePapare.com player of the match – Erandi Gallage (Trackmasters BC)
