Akbar Brothers beat HNB to emerge champs

Players from left: Selvam Savarimuttu, Jeewn Priyankara, Franklyn Morais, June Fernando,Sanketha Jayarathne, Rimaz Hassan (Senior Vice President MSBA), Thushara Jayarathne (Capt),Nishantha Wickramage (Parton MSBA), Enosh De Lambert, Dimitri Grebe, Taher Akbarally, Adrian Gabriel, Praneeth Udumalagla (Coach)

Akbar Brothers continued their winning spree when they out did HNB to win the Championship title 74 to 60 in the 30th Mercantile Service Basketball Association B division tournament played at the Royal College indoor sports stadium on Saturday, 12 November. 

Akbar Brothers came into the finals as undefeated favourites and proved their dominance with a well-deserved win. 

During the first quarter HNB was in front for most of the time and led the points table. The beginning of the second quarter saw Akbar turn on the heat and they began to gain ground with some good passing, fast break moves and three-point play to lead at half time 38 to 29. 

In the third quarter, Akbar comprehensively out played HNB and stretched their lead further.

The victorious team was coached by Praneeth Udumalagala. Thushara Jayaratne gave leadership as Akbar captain. 

A dazzling performance by Taher Akbarally with 26 points, Sanketha Jayaratne 21 and Dimitri Grebe 11 propelled the tea men to victory. Kanishka 14 and Rashan 12 were the leading scorers for the bankers. Dimitri Grebe was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament for B division.

Akbar Brothers remained unbeaten throughout the tournament with convincing wins against HNB 93 to 42, Union Bank 91 to 71 and John Keells Holdings 69 to 50 in the group games. 

In semifinals Akbar Bros beat Union Bank 81 to 46 and HNB beat JKH 55 to 49 to enter the finals.