Asian International School progressed to the semifinal stage, knocking out D.S. Senanayake College in the fourth Quarter Final Fixture of the U-19 All Island Basketball tournament 2015. The final score read 71-54.
It was evident that both the teams took quite a while to settle into the game. Stephen Perera of AIS got the scoreboard ticking for the day, sinking in one of the two free throws granted early in the quarter. Skipper Sachintha Jayathilahke scored the first points for the Dons. AIS forced their opponents to take perimeter shots early on and managed to score off fast breaks. DSSC seemed to have trouble in terms of defense committing several fouls, but they eventually eased into a zone defense. However, at the end of the first period, they could only catch up halfway as AIS led DSSC 14-07.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, AIS managed to score a couple of easy layups to extend their lead. They continued to drive the lanes as well as to attempt jump shots mercilessly testing the DSSC’s defense. Quickly adapting, the Dons managed to cut off their offense switching their defense strategy into a half court press. This enabled them to secure essential points at the other end. As the game clock ticked on, the lads from AIS seemed to be quite slow on their feet when it came to guarding their opponents. However in compensation, their offensive maneuvers, fueled by accurate passing and good judgment gave AIS a comfortable lead of fifteen points. Taheer Akbarally of AIS scored a valuable 8 points for his team in the second period.
Half-Time: Asian International School 37 – D.S. Senanayake College 16
The revitalized DSCC team made amends to their game right after the ten minute break to close in the deficit. They began driving towards the basket, more than previously seen in the game. Captain Jayathilake sunk in two back to back three pointers, raising the spirits of the DSSC team as well as their supporters. The AIS defense seemed to continue to be in ill shape; but fortunately due to their consistency in the attack, still managed to lead 49-37 as the third quarter drew to a close.
Both teams, who had played a match each yesterday, were feeling the wear and tear under the scorch of the sun in the last six hundred seconds of the game. DSSC tried their utmost, making many hasty attempts from the arc to catch up. However, AIS continued to penetrate and make baskets, which enabled them to walk away victorious at the end of play.
AIS skipper Bevan Samuel had this to say to after the game, “Our offense flowed naturally. We will have to improve on our defense for the next game”.
Full Time: Asian International School 71 – D.S. Sennnayake College 54
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Taheer Akbarally (Asian International School)
