Southern Railway eves reign supreme

A 73-53 win over South-East Central Railway helps them retain the title

MUMBAI: Southern Railway (Chennai) fashioned a comfortable 73-53 victory over South-East Central Railway (Bilaspur) to retain the Kapila Khandwala women’s title in the 24th United Phosphorous Ltd All-India Ramu Memorial Basketball Tournament at
the Indian Gymkhana, Matunga, here on Sunday.

Southern Railway, who led 39-26 at half-time in a championship round that remained exciting upto the second quarter, endured an early challenge as the Bilaspur girls kept pace with the defending champions.

But Southern’s fast pace and richer experience turned the match in their favour in the crucial third quarter and they never looked back after taking a substantial 65-38 lead.

It looked comfortable all the way from this juncture for Southern, even as South-East Central attempted a more attacking game in the fourth quarter in which they dominated and were rewarded with regular baskets.

Once again, Southern Railway’s India star Geethu Anna Jose top-scored with 27 points, while P Anitha contributed 18 including two three-pointers and M Adhirai scored 13 with one three-pointer.

M Pushpa top-scored for South-East Central with 11 points, while Anju Lakra
scored 10 including three three-pointers and Seema Singh added 10 including two
three-pointers.