CHENNAI: If anyone came in expecting an even contest for the Uttarakhand — Punjab fixture, as was the build-up, they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Far from it, Punjab exhibited robust aggression and uncomplicated efficiency to beat Uttarakhand 78-66 and surface as frontrunners in the 62nd Senior National Basketball Championship. The score-line doesn’t portray the wholesome picture. Just that Uttarakhand were rendered listless, by a bunch of cagers physically and skillfully superior. Talwinder Singh (14 points) injected artistry and daredevilry on equal dose, with intermittent bursts of showmanship, when he clung onto the rims after sinking in his dunks.
Amjyot Singh (15 points) was more subdued, but his dunks were as clinical. Not to discount the efforts of Jagdeep Singh, a literal workhorse who lasted the match as fresh as he had begun it, or Amritpal Singh (junior), whose rebounding skills were exceptional.
The performance might have buzzed panic among Punjab’s impending opponent, Chhattisgarh, whose progression hopes suffered a setback when they lost to Delhi 75-58, despite showing the persistence to overturn a 13-point deficit in the second quarter.But for all their perseverance, they couldn’t stop Vipin Dahiya, who methodically controlled Delhi, and when an adversity beckoned, he entrusted the responsibility on himself. He was most accurate as the game wore on, converting nearly every fling at the hoop. And he, possibly, was the difference between the sides.
Likewise, in Group A, Kerala stumbled to their second defeat in three matches, this time at the hands of Railways, who though weren’t quite as menacing. But the combustible Gagandeep Singh, who scored 34 points in the 84-75 win, ensured the defending champions recovered from their upset to Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu women, too, accentuated their pool-topping prospects with a win over Andhra Pradesh, routing them 72-61. But they weren’t fully devoid of concerns as they trailed Andhra 12-14 in the first quarter. But superior second and third quarters (14-8 and 27-20) ensured their unbeaten run in the tournament. Skipper Alagu Tamilmozhi and Neena Narendran starred with 19 points each to essay their third win.
RESULTS: Men: Assam bt Pondicherry 63-37, Jammu & Kashmir bt Chandigarh 54-42, Delhi bt Chhattisgarh 75-58, Punjab bt Uttarakhand 78-66, Indian Railways bt Kerala 84-75. Andhra Pradesh bt Uttar Pradesh 93-86.
Women: Pondicherry bt Orissa 60-23, Uttarakhand bt Bihar 38-21, Delhi bt Rajasthan 76-14, Tamil Nadu bt Andhra Pradesh 72-61, Punjab bt Maharashtra 66-62, Indian Railways bt MP 106-38.
