The second preliminary round games of the Group C were worked off between Maristella College vs St. Sebastian’s College – Moratuwa. Negombo lads taking full crub of the game walked away with a victory as the final scoreboard read 71-38.
Sebastanites earned the jump-ball but they could not convert it into points. Maristonian Vishal Fernando drew first blood as he swished the nets for a three pointer. They adopted to a first time attacking strategy themselves, making the most of the scores through fast-break situations. The Sebastanites implemented their zone defense to avoid the driving force of Maris Stella but it worked more against their set offensive plays. With the game tied at 10 points, Maris Stella pulled the game into their control and this time St. Sebastian’s couldn’t catch up. Negembo lads led the quarter 22-08 at the whistle.
It was impressive to see the energy back on the court, but for the first minutes of the second quarter neither of the teams were able to make a basket through the zone defense. St. Sebastian’s had to return the ball over a 24 shot clock violation to the opposites. Nirmal, Vishal and Shenuka were able to still continue playing their first time attacking tactic, executing from the half court. Maris Stella took a great advantage of Sebastanites sloppy play and poor shooting till the end of second quarter. However Maris Stella, outscored the opponent to take a lead of 27 points.
Half time – Maristella College – 40 St. Sebestian`s College – 13
The Sebastanites were motivated and strived to add points but it was such a tragic day for them when the ball kept bouncing off the rim. Shawn returned with his skills and made a swoosh 3 point right away. It was remarkable when the rest of the teammates Deshan, Thalash and Nimash contributed to grow the pace of scoring. Though they managed to score but they had more turnovers than the Maris Stella. Maristonians scored 23 points for the 3rd quarter mostly through fast-breaks and few points were added from set offensive plays. A fresh set of players were replaced to the court by the Maris Stella coach, while assailing a comfortable lead of 30 points (55-25).
It was good to see the Sebastanites spiritedly grabbing baskets, despite the poor play. The impact of scoring only 5 points in the second quarter cost them in the end. The total points made during the first 20 minutes were 13 points. Maristonian Nirmal Perera played a very supportive role while contributing 18 points to the game. It was too late to recover for the Sebs though they called up for their 3rd time-out in the game trying to bring down the margin.
Full time – Maris Stella College – 71 St. Sebestian`s College – 38
ThePapare.com player of the match – Nirmal Perera (Maris Stella College)
