The second match of the A division Mercantile Knockout Basketball Championship was played yesterday at Otters Basketball Court between Hatton National Bank and Avant Garde. HNB lost track at the end when Avant Garde advanced into semifinals with a four point victory.
Avant Garde had advantage over HNB with the early possession after the traditional jump ball start but failed to convert it to points. HNB shooting from downtown in the next possession drew first blood. As the game started right after heavy rain it was tough for both teams to settle themselves into the wet conditions. Rebounds lacked from both the ends as the ball was slippery as it got off the boards. The strategy in wet conditions would be to opt for more set shots and reduce dribbling while sticking into more passing. HNB doing just that scored off downtown shots and mid-range jumpers which helped them to lead the quarter. Avant lads doing the opposite of it and trying to penetrate in, lost the ball a few times which were converted into points at the other end. Both the teams got off to a decent start but HNB lead the game at the end of the first ten minutes 19- 11.
It was just matter of a two minute break for Avant to settle themselves down in the game and they came back strongly when Dilum connected his set shots from just outside the D. Playing with a proper plan in offence, Avant lads put Philip in the post and opted for post up plays which came handy as they scored most of the points of short step layups and under the basket shots. While points were raining down for Avant, HNB too was in the game as Roshan and Khanishka had a good night in shooting three pointers where almost all of them swished the nets. It was a tight defense from both the sides and nothing much to complain as both the teams were all set and settled down for a thriller. The scoreboard read equal figures when the game was halted for lemons.
Half time – Hatton National Bank – 30 Avant Garde Security Services – 30
The crucial third quarter commenced when Khanishka swished the nets for another three pointer for the HNB outfit. Dilum continuing his form squared the game 33-33 right in the next possession. The intensity of the game was at a high pitch as the unforced errors crawled in to the game. The 1-2-2 sagging defense was not at all working for the Avant lads as the scoreboard started ticking off freely for the bankers. Roshan playing exotic minutes for his outfit etched both offensive and defensive rebounds which made the contrast of the score at the end of third quarter. Avant lost the quarter to their opponents due to poor ball handling and lapses in defense. HNB lead the game 52-43 just before the final phase of the game.
Avant started off the final ten minutes of the quarter putting Philip back into the post and opting for post-up plays. Reducing the deficit through consecutive post up plays Avant was back in the game. The score board read 55-56 with HNB in the lead for two straight minutes as neither of the teams scored. Avant Garde being the first to break the zero-zero run increased the lead off a mid-range jumper with just one and half minutes to run in the game. HNB did get the last shot at the winning line but both Khanishka and Roshan made a fumble of it. Khanishka missing the three pointer conceded a turnover and Roshan missed the lay-up slipping himself over water. With the two lost chances and with no time left HNB bid farewell to this year`s knockout championship when Avant Garde advanced them to semi-finals with a four point victory.
Full time – Hatton National Bank – 62 Avant Garde Security Services – 66
ThePapare.com player of the match – Dilum Barathi (Avant Garde Security Services)
