Nagpada Basketball Association (NBA) scraped past Savio Club 81-77 over extra period after the teams were locked 70-70 at the end of the four quarters in a tense and exciting semi-final match of the NBA organised 18th NBA Invitational Basketball Tournament, played at the floodlit Late Bachoo Khan basketball courts, Nagpada.
Both NBA and Savio Club were positive in their approach and the scores ran close in the opening two quarters and at the break the home team gained a slender 31-30 lead. Savio Club were consistent with their shooting in the third scoring 21 points against NBA’s 15 points to take the lead.
However, NBA came roaring back and dominated the fourth scoring 24 points while Savio Club managed 19 points which tied the match scores at 70-all and forced the extra period. In the final session, NBA’s leading shooters Faizan Shaikh (18 points) and Fauzan Shaikh (21 points) scored three and two baskets respectively which helped the team clinch a 11-7 win in extra period and secure their place in the final. Faiz Shaikh with 22 points was the top scorer in normal time, while Mearaj Shaikh added 9 points to the total. Savio Club scored through Darshan Mehta 16 points, Vinayak D. 15 points, and Paras Patil 11 points.
In a Mini Boys U-13 semi-final match, Mastan YMCA defeated Hi-5 33-19 after taking a half-time lead of 14-6 points. Vidit Damani 14 points, Jorden Desmond and Aditya Keswani, both 8 points each to ensure Mastan YMCA win, while Gaurav Yadav 11 points, and Aftab Khan 4 points scored for the losing side.
Later, in a Women league encounter, Bandra YMCA easily defeated Ghatkopar YMCA 36-09 (half-time: 23-04). Priyanka M. 19 top-scored for the Bandra women while Amrapali S. scored 7 points for the Ghatkopar team.
Results – Men’s semi-final: NBA (Fauzan Shaikh 21, Faiz Shaikh 22, Faizan Shaikh 18, Mearaj Shaikh 9) beat Savio Club (Darshan Mehta 16, Vinayak D. 15, Paras Patil 11) – 81-77 (FT 70-70, ET 11-7 — Half-time: 31-30).
Mini Boys (semi-finals): Mastan YMCA (Vidit Damani 14, Jorden Desmond 8, Aditya Keswani 8) beat Hi-5 (Gaurav Yadav 11, Aftab Khan 4) – 33-19 (half-time: 14-6).
Women league: Bandra YMCA (Priyanka M. 19) beat Ghatkopar YMCA (Amrapali S. 7) – 36-09 (half-time: 23-04).