The Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was alive with energy and excitement on July 11, 2024, as the second day of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SABA Qualifiers unfolded. The young talents from India, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka showcased their skills in two thrilling matches, leaving basketball fans on the edge of their seats.
Match 1: India vs. Maldives
The day’s action kicked off with a match between India and the Maldives. India displayed their dominance from the very beginning, setting a high tempo and maintaining it throughout the game. The final score was a resounding 117-43 in favor of India, a testament to their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
- Quarter 1: India 30, Maldives 11
- Quarter 2: India 62, Maldives 23
- Quarter 3: India 88, Maldives 31
- Quarter 4: India 117, Maldives 43
From the first whistle, India took control of the game, quickly establishing a substantial lead in the first quarter. Their aggressive offense and tight defense kept the Maldives at bay, allowing India to build a 19-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw India extending their lead further, with the score at halftime standing at 62-23.
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India’s relentless pressure continued in the second half. The third quarter ended with India leading 88-31, and they closed the game with a final score of 117-43. This impressive performance was a result of India’s excellent teamwork, sharp shooting, and strategic plays that left the Maldives struggling to keep up.
Match 2: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka
The second match of the day featured Bangladesh against the host nation, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan team, buoyed by home support, put on a commanding performance, winning the game 93-56.
- Quarter 1: Bangladesh 14, Sri Lanka 23
- Quarter 2: Bangladesh 28, Sri Lanka 39
- Quarter 3: Bangladesh 44, Sri Lanka 68
- Quarter 4: Bangladesh 56, Sri Lanka 93
Sri Lanka started the game strong, taking a 9-point lead by the end of the first quarter. They continued to extend their lead in the second quarter, going into halftime with a score of 39-28. The third quarter was a turning point, with Sri Lanka outscoring Bangladesh 29-16, bringing the score to 68-44. In the final quarter, Sri Lanka sealed their victory with a dominant performance, finishing the game with a 37-point margin.
Key players for Sri Lanka, including Eveen Senarathna, Dhiluk Samarawickrama, and Darren Bernard, were pivotal in their team’s success. Senarathna’s leadership and playmaking abilities, Samarawickrama’s scoring efficiency, and Bernard’s defensive efforts formed a formidable combination that Bangladesh could not overcome.
Sri Lanka’s performance was marked by their excellent teamwork and communication on the court. Their defense was particularly noteworthy, as they managed to stifle Bangladesh’s offense and create numerous scoring opportunities for themselves. The cohesion and synergy among the Sri Lankan players were evident, as they executed their game plan flawlessly and maintained their intensity throughout the match.
As of today, India has triumphed in both of their matches against Sri Lanka and the Maldives, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the qualifiers. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka secured a victory against Bangladesh, and the Maldives managed to clinch a win against Bangladesh as well.
With each team displaying moments of brilliance, the competition is intensifying, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming rounds. The FIBA U18 Asia Cup SABA Qualifiers continue to promise exciting basketball action, with young athletes striving for qualification and the opportunity to shine on the international stage.
