Action from Zahira College v Vidura College Game
The All Island C division U19 Basketball tournament commenced yesterday. A number of group stage matches were played at the Vidura College basketball court premises.
Vidura College took on Zahira College first and was followed by the match between Holy Cross College v Zahira College. The final match of the day was between Rahula College v Wesley College.
Photo Album – All Island Schools U-19 Basketball C Division
Zahira College v Vidura College
It was Zahira College who drew first blood in the game as they converted a jump ball possession into a shooting opportunity. Vidura College did not get the best of starts as pressure from the opposition kept on building over their shoulders as they swished the nets momentarily. Failing to stick to the basics they lost ball possession during their passes and dribbles. After a considerable amount of time the hosts settled themselves into the game as they had a few consecutive baskets under them. Yet, Asnaf continuing the momentum scored back-to-back fast breaks as he made certain that Zahira College led the game by four points into lemons.
Half-time: Zahira College- 15 Vidura College- 11
The tilted and bent ring on one end of the court was disadvantageous for both teams during the respective halves. The Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association should have checked the quality of the playing premises before handing over the title of the hosts to schools as it could have been a factor that will change the fate of the game.
During the second half of the game Vidura College had the advantage of shooting to the much better ring and got the party started first. Going into the game the hosts did miss the chance of converting the shooting fouls to points on the board in the free-throw line. Hence it was a tough ask to cut the deficit down. Towards the latter part of the game, Vidura College changed their defense to a man to man defence and it paid off as they intercepted quite a few passes from the opposing team.
By the time Vidura College fully settled into the game the clock was not on their side as it was running out of the allocated forty minutes and the lead was too much to be cut down.
Full-time: Zahira College- 29 Vidura College- 20
Zahira College v Holy Cross College
Zahira College playing the second match for the day, ticked the score board first. Both teams were equally matched, yet what Holy Cross College players lacked was a strategy in offense.
Zahira College in prime form adjusted to the playing conditions sooner and increased the lead as their mid-range jumpers swished at ease. Both teams struggled with a number of violations as the referee`s whistle halted the game many times. The latter of the first half was a nightmare for Holy Cross College as they failed to score a single basket in the second quarter. Zahirians, penetrating gaps and driving in obtained a safe lead for the first half.
Half-time: Zahira College- 24 Holy Cross College- 08
Holy Cross College commenced the second half of the game with three consecutive shots. Enjoying the services of the better ring Holy Cross College swished the nets at ease as they began to cut down the deficit.
Zahira College lost momentum as they missed a number of open layups yet Asnaf added a few points and the early lead from the first half helped Zahira College remain victorious.
Full-time: Zahira College- 42 Holy Cross College- 28
The final match of the day was scheduled to be played between Rahula College and Wesley College. Rahula College was awarded a walk over from Wesley College since the playing kits of the double blues was not up to the FIBA regulations.
