St. Joseph Vaz beat Mahanama in over-time

Mahanama College, Colombo (MCC) took on St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa (JVC) in the third place play-off of the U17 Boys’ ‘B’ Division All Island Basketball Tournament, on the 8th of April, at Gateway College, outdoor basketball court premises. JVC clinched the title in over-time, 65-64.  

Both teams started off slow but MCC drew first blood, led from the front by their skipper Sandinu (7) and their power forward Chamara (4). MCC increased their lead by 6 points and contained JVC from gaining any momentum.  

 Click here to view photos of the third place play-off

The score was 30-24, half-way through the 3rd quarter, when Sachin Silva (0) center for JVC switched gears and went on a scoring streak. Rejuvenated by their star player’s performance the rest of the team, stepped up their defense. It bought them the advantage of forcing some crucial turn overs which they converted on the offensive end to take the lead.

JVC out-rebounded MCC throughout the whole game but their performance from the charity strike was extremely poor, converting only 15% of their free throw attempts.

 Click here to know what happened to Mahanama College in the semi-finals

When the pendulum was swinging on to the JVC side, MCC point guard Isanka (23) dished out a couple of 3 pointers and converted free throws into pointers. The scores were tied at 57-all and MCC had one last attempt at the basket; which they failed to convert and the match went to overtime (OT).

 Click here to know what happened to Joseph Vaz College in the semi-finals

MCC scored first in the extra period, but the boys from Wennappuwa took over the game and got a lead of 5 points. MCC did cut down the deficit considerably and were down by a point with one last fast break attempt. But that too was squandered and JVC clung on to the 1-point lead at the end of OT.

Head Coach of JVC, Himal Silva, speaking to ThePapare.com, said, “Our boys really stepped it up in the 3rd and 4th quarters as they usually do. Our plan was to place both our post players on one side of the low post and use their chemistry to out-rebound our opponents and score field goals inside the paint and it worked. As an outstation team we don’t get many friendly matches to adjust to game situations, but I am proud of how the boys played their hearts out and got the win today”.

ThePapare.com MVP of the game – Sachin Silva (Joseph Vaz College)

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