HASC ran into an early 21-13 lead by the end of the first quarter and further extended it to 44-31 at half time, spurred by efforts from Markesh (28) and Sachindra (19). MR Varun (26) and AR Varun (16) gave Sports Hostel the edge as they scored 19 points in the third quarter alone to HASC’s 15 points. HASC, though, stepped up their scoring in the final quarter to clinch the win.

In another match, Madras Engineering Group, led by high-scoring performances from Sweeto (18) and Manigandan (16), notched up a comfortable 71-61 win over Army Service Corps.

ASC put to fore a good show to lead 30-27 at half time but the Sappers clawed down the deficit to grab the match. Jairangan (18) and Gautham (13) top-scored for ASC.

Results: HASC: 85 (Markesh 28, Sachindra 19) bt Sports Hostel: 72 (MR Varun 26, AR Varun 16). HT: 44-31; CMP: 70 (Rajesh Kumar 29, Vinay Kumar 12) bt Ambedkar Basketball Club: 28 (Aravind 16). HT: 35-14; Madras Engineering Group: 71 (Sweeto 18, Manigandan 16) bt ASC: 61 (Jairangan 18, Gautham 13). HT: 27-30.