Delhi, Punjab set up clash for boys basketball crown
February 7, 2018, Delhi
Delhi and Punjab boys set up a title clash in the basketball competition at the inaugural Khelo India School Games after gritty victories over Madhya Pradesh 85-83 and Haryana 68-62 respectively at the KD Jadhav Stadium here today. The final will be played tomorrow.
Jai Parkash scored 11 of the final 15 points for Delhi in a tense finish against Madhya Pradesh to emerge a star, having scored just nine points earlier. Ankit was a huge hero, scoring 25 points, including six three-pointers, and picking up rebounds. It was his marksmanship that enabled Delhi turn things around from 17-18 in the first quarter to a 36-24 lead at the half-time.
In the other semi-final, Punjab had to strain its every sinew and come up with sound tactics to outsmart Haryana in a low-scoring skirmish. It saw the 29-22 half-time lead become a 40-45 disadvantage at the end of the third quarter when Haryana’s Rampal and Kapil hit a purple patch. But with Haryana committing many fouls, Punjab was able to get its nose ahead.
Results (semifinals):
Boys: Delhi beat Madhya Pradesh 85-83; Punjab beat Haryana 68-62.
Girls: Haryana beat Delhi 100-57; Kerala beat Karnataka 51-26.
