Natasha, Clifford and Andre in the limelight

Friday, 17 June 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Natasha Perera from NDB Bank, Clifford Shenal from Union Bank and Andre Fernando from Softlogic Group hogged the limelight at the Finals of the MSBA – 11th Ram Ratnavale Memorial Trophy Knock Out Men’s/Women’s Basketball Tournament 2016, at Edward Henry Pedris Sports Complex on Wednesday (15).

Women’s “B” division Final: The 20-year-old National Player Natasha Perera with her incredible speed and ball control handed over NDB Bank a comprehensive 48/32 win over MAS Holdings.

The 1st three quarters too went to NDB Bank: 18/5, 28/21 (H/T) and 40/23.

Top shooters: Natasha Perera (30) and Hashini Ariyaratne (10) for the winners; Wendy Smith (11) and Geshani Lahiruka (10) for the losers.

Christopher Karunasinghe and Ranil Suranga Refereed.

Mens “E” division Final: The robust Clifford Shenal and experienced Hasitha Wijeratne played brilliantly to hand over debutants, Union Bank a memorable 77/51 win over Mobitel.

Union Bank took the 1st Quarter 14/10, but Mobitel fought back to lead 33/31 at half time. Union Bank turned on the heat in the 3rd Quarter via Hasitha Wijeratne and Clifford Shenal, as they took the 3rd Quarter 58/38.

The top shooters: Hasitha Wijeratne (20) and Clifford Shenal (30) for the winners; Thilina de Silva (17) and Koshan Jayawickrama (18) for the losers.

Charitha Dodangoda and P. Saluwadana Refereed.

Mens “D” division Final: A game that was slow paced in the beginning turned into a thriller in the last 20 minutes, as Softlogic Group snatched a 52/50 win over MAS Holdings “Blacks”.

Softlogic led in the 1st quarter, 15/11 and held the lead at half time, 22/21; MAS “Blacks” fought tooth and nail and took the 3rd Quarter 38/37.

MAS Holdings paid the penalty of not making use the free shots that came their way in the crucial fourth quarter.

Top shooters: Andre Fernando (12) and Lakshan Madusanka (12) for the winners; Heshan Kavisha (22) and Eric Joseph (10) for the losers. Gayan Buddhika and Christopher Karunasinghe Refereed.

The finals were continued at the same venue on Thursday, 16 June – Women’s “A” division & Men’s “C” division; and on Friday, 17 June – Men’s “B” division and “A” division.