The Colombo Super League Basketball ‘B’ division matches started off at Henry Pedris Basketball courts. Wattala ‘B’ and Royal ‘A’ recorded their first win over Buffaloes BC ‘A’ and HSC youth respectively.
Wattala BC ‘B’ vs Buffaloes BC ‘A’
Wattala BC got the party started following first possession and went on to lead the game, scoring baskets from jump-shots. Both teams had opted for a man to man defense. Wattala BC seemed more settled leading the maiden quarter by six points. Penetration in the defense continued for the Wattala lads as they finished strong near the rim. Even though Buffaloes too got back into the game, the first quarter deficit made the difference going into half time.
Half Time: Wattala BC ‘B’ – 31 Buffaloes BC ‘A’ – 23
In the second half, Sandaruwan Sameera of Wattala BC went on to score 10 points, which stabilized the lead. Wattala BC passed around the perimeter and made sure they hit the gaps which went on to hurt the opposition. Viven Samaranayake did score 08 points for the Buffaloes but Wattala BC ended the penultimate quarter with a lead of 08 points.
Buffaloes BC revitalized themselves in the final quarter. Shooting from outside the arc to cut down the deficit, they showed signs of getting back into the game. Wattala BC`s rebounds were grabbed hastily and were converted into points at the other end. Even though Buffaloes managed to obtain 18 points, it was not enough for them to claim the win.
Full Time: Wattala BC ‘B’ – 52 Buffaloes BC ‘A’ – 49 points
HSC Youth VS Royal BC ‘A’
HSC Youth started off the game taking control of the jump ball and managed to draw first blood after a couple of attempts. It was a tight game, as both teams settled fast. Anjelo Dewuruwan played a good hand for HSC while Visal Pinto added ten points for the Darley Road lads. The maiden quarter ended 10 all. The second quarter saw a much tighter performance by the Royalists as they kept a more steady foot on the game, HSC Youth missing rebounds and shots at the same time, trailed the game by ten points going into lemons.
Half Time: HSC Youth – 21 Royal BC ‘A’ – 31
Going into the second half both teams changed their defensive strategy and employed a full court defensive plan. HSC managed to reduce their deficit and take the lead by 6 points as the third quarter ended. Ashan Cleart together with Janith Gamage did the majority of the scoring for HSC in this quarter while Zahir Mahamed and Visal Pinto had a very good partnership in scoring for Royal BC.
During the final quarter, Royal BC managed to increase their score through 3 pointers. They maintained a strong post defense which restricted the HSC Youth offense. Even though they led the third quarter, HSC could rally only 06 points which put them in the back seat at the final whistle.
Full Time: HSC Youth – 49 Royal BC ‘A’ – 61 points
Top Scorers
Wattala BC ‘B’
Kevin Vivekshan – 13 points
Milan Chathuranga – 10 pointsBuffaloes BC ‘A’
Lankesh Gunathilake – 9 points
Pakitha De Silva – 11 points
