Vijaya Bank survive scare to down spirited South Central Railway

Mumbai, Oct 16 (UNI) Vijaya Bank, Bangalore endured a determined challenge before overcoming a spirited South Central Railway 70-59 in an absorbing men's Group 'A' encounter, in the 24th United Phosphorous Ltd All-India Ramu Memorial Basketball Tournament, at the Indian Gymkhana here today.

Playing their opening match in the competition, Vijaya Bank recovered from a slow start to lead 33-27 at half-time. But South Central kept their hopes alive as they trailed by just six point (43-49) at the end of the third quarter, in which the teams were tied at 16-all.

South Central refused to give up as they ran Vijaya Bank close in the fourth and final quarter, before the bankmen escaped to a narrow win, with top-scorer Murali Mohan scoring 16 points including three three-pointers.

In a Group 'B' tie, Western Railway overcame Tamil Nadu Basketball Association 92-78, after leading 43-32 at half-time.

In contrast, Central Railway fashioned a convincing 94-51 win over Kerala State Electricity Board in a women's Group 'A' match.

Central, who led 47-24 at half-time, were led by Manisha D, who scored 28 points including two three-pointers. S Anjana scored 16 points and P Lejitha 15 to emerge as the top-scorers for KSEB.

Results: Men 'A': Vijaya Bank, Banglore 70 (Murali Mohan 16, Roshan T 12, Sanjay Raj 12) bt South Central Rly 59 (T R S Rao 12, Liju Abraham 12, Hihal Yadav 9). HT: 33-27.

Women 'A': Central Rly 94 (Manisha D. 28, Anu K S 13) bt KSEB 51 (S S Anjana 16, P Lejitha 15). HT: 47-24.

UNI