The former national champions, already out of reckoning for the next stage, were put under pressure by the young Maharashtra side in the third quarter and even trailed 53-58 at one juncture, before their experience helped them pull clear and increase the lead in the closing stages.
Railways, who had lost three matches, including a 66-98 drubbing at the hands of defending champions ONGC last night, began in positive fashion, racing to a 26-17 lead in the first quarter, which they increased to 44-21 at half time.
In a late night match yesterday, Sportspower (USA) completed their third consecutive victory with a 82-71 win over Tamil Nadu, assuring their advance into the next phase.
Former Utah Jazz NBA player Paul Grant was the top-scorer with 23 points, while Terrance Thomas scored 21 for the American outfit. For Tamil Nadu, Rikin Pethani was the top scorer with 20 points and C V Dinesh contributed 14.
Results: Men's league: Indian Railways 102 (Prakash Mishra 22, Sunil Kumar 20, Gagandeep 17) bt Maharashtra 82 (Siddhant Shinde 24, Raj Kalbhor 21, Saurabh Nishar 12); HT 44-41; Quarterwise scores: 26-17, 44-21, 70-66.
ONGC 98 (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 21, Yadwinder Singh 15) bt Indian Railways 66 (Prakash Mishra 13, Jaskaran Singh 13, Gagandeep 12); HT: 47-32; Quarterwise scores: 24-17, 23-15, 33-21, 18-13.
Sportspower, USA 82 (Paul Grant 23, Terrance Thomas 21) bt Tamil Nadu 71 (Rikin Rethan 20, C V Dinesh 14); HT: 43- 45; Quarter wise scores: 20-23, 23-22, 23-14, 16-12.
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