Defending men's and women's champions Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh recorded victories over Delhi and Madhya Pradesh respectively on the second day of the 66th Senior National Basketball Championship here today.
Uttarakhand rallied to beat Delhi 76-65 (15-25, 12-06, 31-20, 18-14) with India captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi leading his side to their first victory.
Uttarakhand came from behind as Delhi led at the halftime. Ex-international Trideep Rai contributed with his typically high shooting percentage from behind the arc as he got support of clinical assists from Bhriguvanshi.
One of the title favourites in the men's section, Tamil Nadu made a huge statement in the tournament by overcoming the dangerous Services team 83-59 (20-10, 18-21, 30-14, 15-14).
Aravind Annadurai, who is fast becoming a rising star in the Indian basketball circuit, led the team with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Services international player Narendar Grewal put up 16 points in a losing effort.
In the women's section, defending champions Chhattisgarh, led by 2015 MVP Poonam Chaturvedi, held off the threat from Madhya Pradesh, to emerge 84-60 (19-14, 25-21, 22-18, 18-7) victorious. Poonam put up the highest individual score of the tournament so far with 52 points.
Madhya Pradesh had no answer for the Chhattisgarh centre who was the true difference in the game.
One of the tournament favourites in women's section, Indian Railways registered an easy 72-26 (26-05, 20-4, 14-15, 12-2) win against Punjab. Forward Rajapriyadarshini top-scored for the Railways with 15 points.
