Vijaya Bank move past KSP

Bankmen registered a comfortable 73-51 win over Karnataka State Police to stay on course for the league title.  Veteran shooting guard Murali Mohan, who netted 23 points, scored at a blistering pace while the Vijaya Bank defence stood rock solid enabling the Bankmen to end the first quarter at 20-6.

KSP looked a side possessed in the second quarter. Power forward Mahesh penetrated the rival defence with ease, top-scoring with 27 points. His delicate lob shots and clever dribble passes on the baseline saw KSP claw back into the match. However, Roshan (14), who played as a point guard, converted crucial baskets to help Vijaya Bank pocket a six-point lead at 30-24 at the end of first half. In the third quarter, Vijaya Bank’s Basavaraj (18) came into his own. The towering forward outwit the KSP defence with his powerpacked moves under the board. KSP fought back through pivot Ramkrishna (11), who kept them in hunt.

KSP began fourth quarter on a high with Ramakrishna putting in a three pointer. Vijaya Bank then switched to man-to-man marking and put pressure on the KSP forwards to stop the free scoring shots.

The ploy worked in Bankmen’s favour while Mohan knocked down three pointers at will as the champions stayed at the top of the table.

Results: Vijaya Bank: 73 (Murali Mohan 23, Basavaraj 18, Roshan 14) bt KSP: 51 (Mahesh 27, Ramkrishna 11). HT: 30-24; ASC: 45 (Jayarangan 15, Gautham 11) bt JSC: 31 (Minhal 10). HT: 29-12.