Royal Basketball Club emerged victorious over the Ananda Kings yesterday evening, at the Police Park Basketball Court. Showcasing the talent of quite a young side comprising many school players, they outdid their counterparts 50-36 at the final whistle.
Into the first quarter, Ananda Kings gained possession as the basketball was played out of bounds by the Royalists off the jump ball but failed to score. It was Kasun Ranasinghe who drew first blood right after with a fast break across the court. Ananda forced Royal to turn the ball over on the next play and scored an easy three pointer to bring the lead up to 5-0. Both the teams were equally matched with speed and height hence the maiden quarter witnessed a tight game and there were not many mistakes from either side apart from the unforced errors and those were more than enough to help Ananda Kings to lead the quarter 12-16.
The second quarter commenced with a four point Ananda lead and they did well to hold onto until the end. Both the teams were seen settling down during the second quarter, did well in every department of offence defense and rebounds. The score was extended to 17-16 in favor of Royal with a little more than 3 minutes to go in the first half. Even though Ananda did opt for the full court defense they did not successfully uphold the task. The foes capitalizing on it ran the ball across the court and scored through fast breaks. The game was called off for half time when Ananda led the game by one point over Royalists.
Half time – Ananda Kings – 24 Royal Basketball Club – 23
A minute and a half into the second half, the Ananda Kings extended their lead scoring a quick basket. Displaying unshakable defensive skills, Royal BC reclaimed their lead, scoring mostly off fast break plays and shots from outside the arc. It was a surprising fact to see that Ananda suddenly lost its cause in defense. When the Royalists were attempting shots outside the arc, the boys in maroon did not seem to have a clear idea of defending it. The rebound factor was dominated by the Royalists as they blocked out the opposition and the post players did make sure to off load the ball to the point guard right after the rebound. At the end of the third quarter, the Royalists shifted the fate of the game onto their side as they led the game 36 points to 30.
Playing into the final period of the game, Royal making use of the two low posts, continued to display their dominance. The Anandians fought back, but seemed to commit a number of fouls which they had to pay as the Royalists converted them into points at the free-throw line. Royalists doing exactly what the doctor prescribed during the half time break played fast and opted for more fast breaks scattering the demesne of the boys from Maroons. As the game clock eventually died down, the valiant efforts of the Kings were in vain as Royal BC sealed the game, 50-36 at the final whistle.
Full time – Ananda Kings – 36 Royal Basketball Club – 36
