Kohima, May 26 (EMN): Taurus, Werewolves, Amplified and Dorians remained undefeated in the league matches and entered the semifinals of the ongoing 8th Open Basketball Tournament here at the Kohima local ground on Friday.
Dorians defeated both the two teams of Mystic Ballers (A) and (B) as they shattered their dreams to reach the semifinals of the tournament.
The tournament is organised by the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) and Suncity Club Kohima.
Playing the league system, Team Dorians narrowly defeated Team Mystic Ballers (A) by a score of 45-44 in the second match, during an exciting encounter, Mystic Ballers fell short of one point in the final minute. With two seconds remaining in the match, Mystic ballers got a penalty to level the score, but the player managed to score only a point.
The first quarter ended in favour of Dorians with 13-12 points. However Mystic Ballers (A) team gradually picked up momentum in the second quarter to level the score with 23 points each. In the third quarter Mystic Ballers took the lead with 34-32 but at the end of the match, Dorians took the lead with the score of 45-44.
In the second match with Mystic (B), Team Dorians upset Team B by a score of 60-56. The first half quarter, Mystic Baller (B) led the point with 30-29. But in the last quarter, Dorians managed to pull back to win over Mystic Ballers (B) by 60-56.
In the first match of the day, Titan registered an easy win against Skyhooks with a score of 67-48 and Team Orca defeated Mission Giants by 60-66. Taurus picked up a crucial victory, beating Tiyi Hoppers 72-25 in their encounter and entered the semis. Amplified also joined Taurus in the semis after a thumping victory over Titans by a score of 94-65. Werewolves were on the mission to the finals as they beat Mission Giants by 90-48 at the end of the match.
Earlier, match patron Dr.Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA, in his address congratulated the Suncity and NBA for organising the tournament inspite of all the difficulties and challenges. He said that sports are the best medium to promote peace, unity, and togetherness amongst the community across the globe.
On Thursday evening, Team Mystic Ballers (A) overcame Team Mystic Ballers B by 60 -41 in the fourth match.While in the 5th match, S.Naga Trouncer wins over Tiyi Hoppers by28-22.
The first semi-final match between Amplified and Taurus will begin at 12 noon and the second semi-final match between Amplified and Dorians at 1 pm. Three points shooting competition at 2 pm followed by exhibition match for sub- junior boys.
The closing ceremony will be graced by Mmhuonlumo Kikon, MLA as the guest of honour on Saturday evening at 6 pm.
