The fourth match of the A division Mercantile Knockout Basketball Championship was played yesterday at Otters Basketball Court between DFCC Bank and Sampath Bank. DFCC held sway over the entire forty minutes and advanced over to the semi-finals when the score board read 60-39 at full time.
The match commenced with the traditional jump ball start and DFCC had early possession. Terrance Neydoff getting his outfit onto a flyer scored six points with-in three minutes in to the game. DFCC maintained an 11-0 run for six minutes in the game when Sampath Bank failed to swish the nets in any possession. Timothy Nithushan settling his feet early in the game, partnered up with Terrance and rattled the opposition defense. Sampath Bank with no rebounds did not have any chance in a counter-attack. All the five players of the DFCC outfit were up on their feet for the rebound while the opposition post players were just watching the game from their positions. Chamth Danawansa scored a couple of mid-range jumpers and got Sampath Bank on to a start but did not hold consistency in the momentum. DFCC doing everything right in the quarter scored fifteen points while Sampath Bank only managed six.
Experienced national cap Mithila was in desperate need to settle himself for Sampath Bank to etch on for the rebounds. The second quarter commenced and DFCC continuing their form; set the platform for a better score later on. Jarred being substituted for Pushpakumara; there was slight fall back in the pace of the game but the offensive plan of the DFCC bankers stood the same. Vimukthi Peris was also one player out of the list who had bad day in office for the Sampath Bank hence skipper Chamath Danwamasa grew out of options. DFCC players; specially Timothy Nithushan penetrating into the defense drew as many fouls as possible and put Samapth Bank in a spot of bother as there weren’t many players on the bench who could be substituted in. Both teams scored eleven points each in the quarter but the early lead put DFCC ahead in the game.
Half time – DFCC Bank – 27 Sampath Bank – 17
DFCC retaliating played a slow game in comparison to the first half. Sampath Bank did buy themselves back into the game but the lack of consistency in the momentum helped DFCC to lead the game. DFCC revamping after a time out opted for a half-court press in their defense which halted many points on the scoreboard for Sampath Bank. DFCC offence was mainly pass and cut plays which worked out well for them. Timothy Nithushan driving in continued to draw fouls where Chamath Danwamsa and Vimukthi ended up with four fouls at the end of the quarter. Sampath Bank scored thirteen points in the quarter while DFCC bank scored only eleven.
The last ten minutes of the match was crucial as DFCC lead the game only by seven points at the start of the fourth quarter. But Mithila was fouled out early in the final quarter which was huge blow for Sampath Bank. Chamath Danwamsa had to play a different game than his usual as he already had four fouls under his name and he couldn’t afford to get fouled out before the end. DFCC on the other hand continuing their usual game plan played off a pick and roll strategy in the offence while they played a 1-2-2 sagging strategy in the defensive aspect of the game. DFCC scored a game high twenty six points in that quarter while Sampath Bank managed only six. Most of the shots coming from outside the arc explained the shooting levels of the DFCC players. With no proper rebounds and offence plan Sampath Bank never had the opportunity of seizing the moment; unfortunately it was a one sided game and DFCC emerged victorious at the full time.
Full time – DFCC Bank – 60 Sampath Bank – 39
ThePapare.com player of the match – Terrance Neydiff (DFCC Bank)
