JOIN USMBC clinch thrilling win
Mangalore Basketball Club posted a dramatic come-from-behind 86-81 win over Rising Star (Mysuru) in the final to emerge champions of the inaugural Karnataka Basketball League here at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium courts on Monday.
With the last five minutes to play, Mangalore BC, down 64-75, first reduced the gap with two three-pointers from Melver Lobo but Rising Star still edged ahead, leading 78-77 with less than two minutes remaining. However, the Mysuru side’s defence took a beating and Mangalore scored nine points to Rising Star’s three to clinch the match in their favour.
Lobo, who scored 24 points, which included four three-pointers, was the star behind Mangalore’s fine fightback. Sowkin Shetty chipped in with 20 points. Naveen (20) and Supradeep (20) were the standout performers for Rising Star. The Mysuru side, who held a ten-point lead coming into the final quarter, paid the price for committing fouls during the dying moments.
Rising Star dominated the early part of the first-half and went to the break leading 41-39.
Mangalore’s inspired second-half performance was led by the burly Sowkin, who breached the Rising Star defence to score points with ease. Despite trailing for most part, Mangalore kept fighting and were eventually able to turn the tables.
Vidyanagar triumph
DYES Vidyanagar defeated Mounts Club 68-62 to win the State women’s league for the Mathru Cup for the second straight time.
For Vidyanagar, Aishwarya was in her elements and scored 30 points. Bhoomika (12) and Harshitha (10) also impressed for the winners.
Results: Karnataka Basketball League: Final: Mangalore BC: 86 (Melver 24, Sowkin Shetty 20) bt Rising Star Mysore: 81 (Naveen 20, Supradeep 20).
Mathru Cup: Women: Final: DYES Vidyanagar: 68 (Aishwarya 30, Bhoomika 12, Harshitha 10) bt Mounts Club: 62 (Roshini 26, Kruthika 18, Sagarika 13).
Third place playoff: Beagles BC: 36 (Sanjana 12) bt DYES Mysore: 35 (Kavana 13).