Army SC triumphantly defended the ambush of the Buffaloes Black yesterday as they rolled out for a 47-44 victory at their second “A” division fixture which was played at Police Park Basketball Complex.
The match commenced at eight fifteen on the dot with the traditional jump ball start. Even though the jump ball was won by the Buffaloes BC they failed to score. Neither of the teams stepped into the party for the first three minutes. Anushka drew first blood in the game for the soldiers with a brilliant high post move. Army BC had the better of the rebounds in both offensive and defensive aspect. They opted for spread out man to man defense which did the trick quite well. At the other end Buffaloes BC digging into the basics opted for a sagging man to man defense. Teams were equally matched with height and talent hence the maiden quarter ended with one point lead for Army BC.
Buffaloes BC experienced the worst nightmare of the game during the second quarter. They managed to score only four points in the entire quarter. Soldiers went on a dream-run scoring fourteen points. Every aspect of the game was off the book for the Buffaloes BC. Rebounds did not stick with them, shots did not swish the nets and their defense could not hold the audacious attack of the soldiers. As the pressure piled upon them they lost track of what they were doing and were just running from this end to the other end. The game was called off for a much needed ten minute break as Army BC lead the game comprehensively.
Half time – Army Basketball Club – 24 Buffaloes Blacks – 15
There was not much difference in the third quarter when compared with the second. Buffaloes did make an impact inside the first five minutes. Fresh legs did the job for them as they scored fourteen points in the quarter. Soldiers holding ground came back into the game after the first five minutes and handled the situation well. Rebounds were one of the factors that set the team apart. Blocking out, rebounding and then passing on the ball for the point guard for the second opportunity was the only thing Army BC did and they did it well. Even though Buffaloes did have the pace they did not have an exact plan in offense. Odd shots kept on swishing the basket but those cannot win you a game only close down the deficit.
The final six hundred seconds of the game was indeed a treat to watch. Buffaloes rising from the dead came back to the game and squared the scores a couple of times. Fouls play an important role in a game. After five individual fouls the rest of the fouls will be called as team fouls and the opponents will be awarded two free throws each time a team foul is committed. Buffaloes did have the game in their hand but with the two team fouls committed and them being converted into points by the soldiers on the line, swapped the fate. Army BC did maintain an average shooting percentage throughout and it paved the way for victory at full time. The four free throws which were converted to points secured the base of the soldiers.
Full time – Army Basketball Club – 47 Buffaloes Blacks – 44
ThePapare.com player of the match – Asanka Suwaris (Army BC)
