Bihar men win a thriller

However, Tamil Nadu, who were stunned by Rajasthan on Sunday, chalked out a facile 87-45 win over Madhya Pradesh for their second win in group ‘A’. Already, Rajasthan and Karnataka, with three victories, have taken their appointed places in the knock-out.

Tuesday’s match between Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh would decide the last team from the group as both of them have lost all their encounters.Winning their Monday’s matches, West Bengal and Kerala men also advanced into the pre-quarterfinals.

The quarter-finalists in the women’s section have already been spotted with Indian Railways and Tamil Nadu topping the group ‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively. Last year’s finalists Delhi, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka completed the line-up.

Though Bihar did not have the services of a couple of their star hoopsters, it came up with a spirited display to lead 39-31 at half time. Railways, who had shocked Punjab on Sunday, could not upset Bihar, who played to a plan.

Railways always breathed down the neck of Bihar matching point for point. Railways equalled midway through the third quarter at 47 and ended it at 59-all.The pep talk during the two-minute break had the desired effect on Bihar as they soon shot into the lead and increased it further coming up with good baskets to walk away victorious. With the help of three three pointers, junior international Deshraj made 25. Internationals Mohit Bhandari and NS Rawat made 14 and 12 respectively. For Railways, international Islauddin top scored with 18 and Ranjit chipped in with 13.

In a crucial match to decide the pre-quarterfinalist, Kerala drubbed Maharashtra 91-50 with half time score being 38-20. Sunny Thomas top scored with 36 while Santosh and Subash Shenoy contributed 18 and 16 respectively.