The quarter final stage of ThePapare Basketball Championship (TPBC18) commenced today at Holy Family Covent Basketball Complex. Lyceum International School Wattala (LISW) won the second quarter-final while the first match was postponed due to bad weather.
Both teams started strong from the tip off as the lead went back and forth throughout the game. Leia Hamza of Colombo International School (CIS) scored effectively during the maiden quarter exerting pressure on the opposition.
Even though they faced a heavy attack from CIS, grabbing of rebounds and opting for fast breaks helped LISW to gain a 04-point lead at the end of the first ten minutes, 11-07.
Coming into the second quarter, CIS changing tactics, doubled team and boxed out the LISW power-forward Shaini Hettiarachchi which provided them more rebounds. The tactical changed helped Leia Hamza to continue her scoring effectively, cutting the deficit.
Towards the latter part of the second quarter, LISW reacted well to pressure. Tightening the screws in defence of Leia Hamza, who was sublime form for CIS, helped the Wattala girls to half the heavy opposition attack.
Half Time: Lyceum International School – Wattala – 31 Colombo International School – 19
Into the second half, CIS changed their defence into a full-court press, which cut down the scoring opportunities of LISW more and helped them to cut down the lead to 05 points.
With the CIS employing a full-court press, LISW had the better chances to grab the boards which bought back confidence in LISW. Yet, they trailed the quarter by a point, 13-14. Early lead in the game helped LISW to lead the total scoreboard 44-33.
In the final quarter, CIS losing out on stamina after the tight defence couldn`t keep up the fast pace game of LISW. Leia Hamza continued her game from all parts of the court, behind the arc, lay-ups and free-throws. Still it was not enough.
With the fast pace game LISW finished up the match by a 12-point lead kicking CIS out of the tournament.
Full Time: Lyceum International School – 60 Colombo International School – 48
Assistant Coach LISW, Festus Perera, ThePapare.com said, “After the 1st quarter we started to target one of their key players and reduce the scoring of those players by pressurising them. And with the skill and experience of the players winning the Under 17 A division All island Championship we were fortunate enough to come up with the victory.”
Top Scorers
Lyceum International School – Wattala – Hazeena Abdul – 29 points
Colombo International School – Leia Hamza – 28 points
 commenced today at Holy Family Covent Basketball Complex. Lyceum International School Wattala (LISW) won the second quarter-final while the first match was postponed due to bad weather.){kind=link}