Railways score consolation win over Maharashtra

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.