Mazan Khan powers NNH to title

MUMBAI, April 21: Mazan Khan's 12-point blitz in the five-minute period of extra-time powered Nagpada Neighbourhood House a 59-43 victory ov...

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MUMBAI, April 21: Mazan Khan’s 12-point blitz in the five-minute period of extra-time powered Nagpada Neighbourhood House a 59-43 victory over Bombay YMCA in the sub-junior boys’ final of the Colgate-Palmolive DB Prabhu Memorial Baksetball tournament at the Indian Gymkhana here today.

It was a rousing 40 minutes of basketball where Bombay led 19-16 in the first half. But NNH turned in a brilliant performance in the second half to end up runaway winners.

In contrast, the girls finals was won by Agradneya Vyaymshala, Dombivili who prevailed over hosts Indian Gymkhana 51-10 in a lop-sided contest.

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The boys final was a thrill-a-minute. NNH were off the blocks in fine fashion racing to a 2-6 lead but Bombay YMCA came back roaring to lead 9-8 after the first quarter. It was largely due to the latter’s hustling tactics that they managed to make many steals and score.

The second quarter too turned out to be good for the Bombay YMCA boys who notched 10 points to NNH’s 8. But the third was their best when theytallied 11 to NNH’s 9.

However, a strategic move by the NNH think-tank saw them claw back. In sub-junior events, a player is expected to feature only in two quarters and a part of the third. NNH reserved their best for the final hurrah which paid them rich dividends.

The turnaround began taking shape in the final quarter. Iftaq Shaikh, who came in as a substitute, Mazan Khan, Shahbaz Shaikh and Syed Shoeb were the NNH’s aces all tall and super fast on court.

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NNH down 25-30 went into a 10-point over-drive that not only gave them the lead but also the control of the game, seemingly. However, Bombay YMCA weren’t finished yet with Mohammad Faizal cooly slotting four baskets to level the scores at 37.

NNH went on a 6-2 run lead to lead 43-39 with little over a minute to go for time. But Mohd Rais converted two free-throws and then YMCA managed a steal with 30 seconds left on the clock to score and level the scores again.

In extra time, the YMCA lads, who appeared tired were further dented by theejection of Mohd Faizal, who had committed five fouls. Thereafter, it was NNH all the way.

Mazan Khan was adjudged the player of the tournament while YMCA’s Shoeb Khan, the most promising player.

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Rucha Marathe of Agradneya bagged the best player award in the girls section with the most promising honour going to Deepa Narayan of Indian Gymkhana.

Results (all finals)

Boys: NNH 59 (Mazan Khan 20, Shaikh Akhtar 13) bt Bombay YMCA 43 (Mohd Rais 14)

Girls: Agradneya Vyayamshala 51 (Rucha Marathe 13, P Priyadarshini, Madhura Bodas and Monali Kulkarni all 8 each) bt Indian Gymkhana 10.