KATHMANDU, April 1: Golden Gate International College has clinched the first Kwiks Men’s Basketball League title defeating the departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club by a score difference on Saturday.
In the final match played at the National Sports Council (NSC)’s Covered Hall, Golden Gate defeated Army by 97-96. Golden Gate came back from one score behind to win the match in the last second of the fourth quarter.
The first quarter ended in a 21-21 draw, while Golden Gate won the second 23-33. The third quarter also was a 20-20 draw at a point, but Golden Gate eventually won the quarter 23-32.
Golden Gate hands Army first defeat
Army was 10 scores behind in the last quarter in 68-84, but drew the game 82-82, and again the game was drawn 85-85. Golden Gate then took a 92-95 lead in the quarter, but Army equalized the quarter with a 95-95 draw.
Army then took the lead through Captain Robin Khatri who scored to get a point, but Golden Gate scored a 2-scorer in the match with barely a second remaining to stun Army and win the game by a point.
Golden Gate’s Rajeev Joshi scored the highest 15, while Binod Shrestha scored 13. Binod Maharjan and Nischal Maharjan scored 17 each for the losing team.
With the win, Golden Gate took home Rs 200,000, while Army was rewarded with Rs 100,000.
Earlier, in the match for third place, Bishal Milan Kendra beat Himalayan Hounds 80-70. Milan Kendra’s Bikash Gurung scored the highest 30, while Sandesh Tamang scored 13. Third-placed Milan Kendra got Rs 50,000.
Army’s Sadish Pradhan was declared the most valuable player, while Milan Kendra’s Bikash Gurung won the highest scorer award in the tournament which was played in home and away league format.
Likewise, Army’s Binod Maharjan, Milan Kendra’s Bibek Shrestha, Kirtipur Basketball Team’s Rabindra Maharjan were named the best defender, the emerging talent and the best coach respectively. All the winners were prized with Rs 10,000 each.
