Army retain National Basketball crown

LAHORE: Pakistan Army defended their title beating arch rivals Wapda 71-45 in the final of the National Basketball Championship that concluded at the Sports Board Punjab Courts here on Monday.

It was a well-contested final between the two traditional rivals of national sports. Army exerted pressure on their opponents in the beginning of the first quarter through Rashid and Naimat who exchanged excellent passing.

In the second quarter Army doubled their pressure through Atif and Farhad who skillfully carried the ball, putting it well and scoring precious points.Particularly, Atif moved in every corner of the court with firm possession of the ball and scored valuable points for Army. Though Wapda were trailing 25-45 at the end of the second quarter yet they demonstrated aggression in their game in the third quart which electrified the crowd who cheered the players profusely. Army’s Their strategy worked as Army could score 12 points only. Wapda also tried hard to narrow the deficit in the last quart which they lost by one score yet the overall deficit was wide enough to cover. Atif (16), Tughlaq (15) were the top scorers from the Army. For Wapda Zahid and Abid scored 13 and 12 points respectively.

Earlier, in the first semifinal Army defeated Pakistan Ordnance Factory 92-55. Atif and Tughlab scored 19 and 16 points from the winners. Izhar scored 12 points from POF. In the hard fought second semifinal, Wapda beat Lahore Division 66-61. For the third position match Lahore division defeated POF 66-59.

At the conclusion of the final Punjab Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Jahangie Khanzada gave away the Trophy to Army’s captain. Sports Board Punjab gave a cash prize of Rs. 100, 000 to Army, Rs. 75, 000 to Wapda and Rs. 50, 000 to Lahore Division teams.