Maharashtra downs Southern Rly to reach basketball final

Mumbai: Maharashtra women rose to the occasion and overcame Southern Railway, Chennai, 63-51 in the concluding league match of the UPL 9th Savio Cup All-India Basketball Tournament here today to enter the title contest against the same opponents tomorrow.

The win, the second for the home state women, ensured their passage into the final against Southern, who had already qualified after winning their earlier two matches in the four- team league in the tournament sponsored by Tridhaatu Realty and Indian Oil and organised by Don Bosco Recreation Centre.

Maharashtra started in rousing fashion and quickly raced to a 8-0 lead with skipper Manisha Dange getting all the points. They held the momentum and were ahead 30-23 at the half-way mark.

The Railway eves were unable to get into a groove. Their shooting initially was wayward and anticipation under defensive board was not sharp. This allowed the Maharashtra shooters to collect the rebounds and go on to convert baskets.

However, coach Raneesa Rawoof's pep talk during the break and a change of tactics saw the Southern Railway outfit put up a much better performance as they gradually reduced the deficit to 38-39 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter was an exciting affair as the lead changed hands repeatedly. The Railway women started with a basket to take the lead for the first time at 40-38 and stretched it to 46-43 with five minutes left in the match.

Maharashtra showed great fighting qualities as they went all out and, with Renu Mourya firing a 3-pointer, narrowed the gap at 46-47 before Shireen Limaye converted a basket to put them ahead at 48-47.

Thereafter, Maharashtra continued to stay ahead and slowly, but confidently swelled the lead by 10 points at 59-49 before clinching the match at 63-51.

Dange was the leading scorer (21 points) and well supported by Limaye who contributed 17 points towards the win.

For Southern the main scorers were Harindeeran Neena, who led their charge with 14 points, and Joy Soniya, who chipped in with 13 points.