Though the scoreline may suggest a lop-sided game, it was a thrilling affair. Both teams put up a brilliant show.
Defending champions Agradneya Vyayamshala retained their junior girls’ crown of the 9th Nagpada Basketball Association Invitational Tournament at the Bachookhan Municipal Playground, Nagpada, on Monday. They defeated Bandra YMCA 52-26 in an intense final played under lights.
Though the scoreline may suggest a lop-sided game, it was a thrilling affair. Both teams put up a brilliant show. However, a quick and formidable Agradneya walked home with the title.
From start to end, Dombivli-based Agradneya led in all the quarters, but their opponents did not let them have it easy.
The first quarter ended in favour of Agradneya at 14-10. The Bandra side, who enjoyed equal possession, failed to convert it into points. By halftime, Agradneya were leading comfortably at 27-12. However in the last stage, the Bandra side struggled and lost out with a 52-26 margin.
Agradneya captain Amruta Bhuskute, who top-scored with 23 points, was rewarded for her all-round performance, while Riddhima Kemkar, the other stalwart in the side, garnered 19 points. Bandra YMCA captain Pooja Ajmera contributed the most for her side with seven points.
Agradneya chief coach Milind Apte said, “The girls played good basketball. It was an interesting affair. We are happy to defend the title,” he said. About the crowd, Apte said it has been fun playing in Nagpada. “The crowd here knows the game. It has been supportive throughout the tournament.”
Earlier, Maharashtra’s top junior player Salman Khan laid a decisive assist and fired two crucial baskets in quick succession to lead Ghatkopar YMCA to a shock 48-44 victory over defending champions NBA in the mini boys final.
Results: Final: Junior girls: AVS 52 (A Bhuskute 23, R Kemkar 19) bt Bandra YMCA 26 (P Ajmera 7); Mini boys: Ghatkopar YMCA 48 (A Khan 13, G Singh 12) bt NBA 44 (S Khan 14, F Kazi 6); Youth boys: NBA 52 (I Siddiqui 12, U Shaikh 9) bt Indian Gym 45 (Israel 16, Sagar 9)
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