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Friday, 25 August 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Double International Kumarine Silva (21 points) was unstoppable as she spearheaded HNB to a thrilling 49-46 win over Commercial Credit & Finance, at the 27th MSBA Women’s ‘A’ Division League Basketball Tournament 2017, which continued at the Sir Edward Henry Pedris Stadium.
It was a brilliant turnaround by HNB, as Commercial Credit had a commanding lead of 31-20 at halftime via their star shooter Prasadhi Fonseka (22 points).
Men’s ‘B’ Division: John Keells Group, minus their star power forward Thushan Dharmasena (sidelined due to injury early in the game), fought tooth and nail to snatch a 47-46 win over SriLankan Airlines ‘A’. SriLankan held the advantage of a six-point lead (23-17) at halftime. JK thus went through to the semifinals via the do-or-die play of Charith de Silva (16 points). Chathun Fernando (17) and Sanjaya Wanasekera (15) played a steady game for SriLankan.
Men’s ‘C’ Division: NDB Bank, while maintaining their unbeaten status, advanced to the final with a fine 54-40 win over Seylan Bank after holding on to a one-point lead at halftime (26-25). Vishan Fernando (17) and Fawshan Mohamed (15) excelled for NDB. Dion Muthukumarana (15) played a lone hand for Seylan.
Men’s ‘C’ Division: Standard Chartered Bank made a date with NDB Bank in the final as they won their semifinal against HSBC 51-49 after leading 25-18 at halftime. It would have been HSBC‘s game if not for their careless play, missing as many as 20 freethrows. SCB’s crack shooter Devon Robert (11) took his season’s tally to 150 baskets in seven matches. The other scorers for SCB were Thushan Perera (10) and Rishan Yousuf (10). Hasantha Gunawardena (18) offered strength to HSBC.
Men’s ‘D’ Division: Debutants JAT Holdings, who had a clear nine-point lead at halftime (34-25), ran short of fuel in the second half as they succumbed to a one-point defeat to LOLC (61-62). The match-winning shooters for LOLC were Shehan Silva (17), Naveed Halaldeen (16) and Rajitha Ekanayake (15).
The players who played an outstanding game for JAT were Chamila Liyanage (15), Ashan Gunasinghe (12), Kaushalya Kotuwage (12) and Dilka Sirimanne (13).
Men’s ‘D’ Division: LOLC entered the final by trouncing HDPL 70-33 after leading 30-10 at halftime. Naveed Halaldeen (27) was in top form for LOLC and he was well supported by Shahen Silva (12). Andrew Wijesuriya (18) played a lone hand for HDPL.
Men’s ‘D’ Division: Debutant JAT Holdings entered the final to meet LOLC, as they convincingly beat Softlogic Holdings 47-32 after leading 22-15 at the breather. Chamila Liyanage (16) top-scored for JAT. Anjelo Jayamanne (15) top-scored for Softlogic.
The 27th MSBA League Basketball Tournament 2017, which commenced on 12 June, reached its Finals, after completing 113 matches on 16 August, at the Sir Edward Henry Pedris Stadium.
The tournament stopped in its tracks during the early stages of the tournament with the demise of Hayleys Group player, Ranil Ganewatte, who died on court, while playing against Airport & Aviation on 28 June.
The tournament saw 46 teams – 37 men in five divisions and nine women in two divisions participating.
It is noteworthy that four teams which are making their debut, namely – Virtusa Polaris, Moulana Travels (Men’s “E” division), JAT Holdings (Men’s “D” division) and Fair First Insurance (Men’s “A” division) are in the Finals.
Finals: All at Sir Edward Henry Pedris Stadium
Friday, 25 August – Men’s “E” division; Virtusa Polaris Vs. Moulana Travels at 7 p.m.
Monday, 28 August – Women’s “B” division: Nations Trust Bank Vs. MAS Holdings at 6 p.m.; followed by the Men’s “B” division: MAS Holdings “Red” Vs. Kanrich Finance at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 29 August – Men’s “D” division: LOLC Vs. JAT Holdings at 6 p.m.; followed by Men’s “C” division; NDB Bank Vs. Standard Chartered Bank at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 30 August – Women’s “B” division; HNB Vs. Commercial Credit & Finance at 6 p.m.; followed by the Men’s “A” division; Commercial Credit & Finance Vs. Fair First Insurance at 7:30 p.m.
