Punjab re-asserted their superiority over Indian Overseas Bank, winning their men’s semifinal league match 67-53 to earn a place in the final against ONGC in the 7th All-India Savio Cup Don Bosco basketball tournament on Saturday.
With both the teams having lost to ONGC in the four-team league and with one win apiece against their name, it was a do-or-die affair, in which, the fitter and stronger Punjab team prevailed at the Don Bosco (Matunga) courts.
In the earlier match of the day, ONGC, who had already made the final, went down 52-89 to Shooting For Success, USA and give the team from overseas, something to savour on the return journey.
The women’s final, also to be held on Sunday, will see Southern Railway take on South East Central Railway.
Furious pace
Punjab, bolstered by the arrival of Talvinder Singh, began playing at a furious pace against the Chennai-based IOB, whom, they had already beaten in the earlier stages of the tournament.
With Talvider playing the role of ball handler, Jagdeep Singh was free to drive in from the sides as well as concentrate more on defence.
Amjot Singh was his consistent self and top scored with 18, while Jagdeep Singh contributed 16 points.
Amritpal Singh Jr and Talvinder Singh scored 14 and 12 points respectively to round up the tally for a dominant Punjab.
Results: Punjab: 67 (Amjot Singh 18, Jagdeep Singh 16, Amritpal Singh Jr 14, Talvinder Singh 12) bt IOB: 53 (Prasanna V 13, Vineet Mathew 10, Abhilekh Paul 8, Shivabalan 8); SFS, USA: 89 (Jeff Fahnbulleh 30, Terry Fields 20, Jeremy White 12) bt ONGC: 52 (Vishesh Bhruguwanshi 20, Yadwinder Singh 12).
