Natasha, Clifford and Andre in the limelight

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.