Taurus, Stallions, TMB and Cretan Bulls progress to semis
Kohima, May 11(MExN): Defending champions Taurus, Stallions, Cretan Bulls and The Mystic Ballers (TMB) entered the semifinals of the ongoing 10th edition of Open Basketball Tournament (OBT) played on Friday at Khuociezie local ground in Kohima. The tournament which is being presented by Seyie Auto Maruti Suzuki and organised by Nagaland Basketball Association and Suncity Kohima will culminate on Saturday, May 12.
Taurus remained dominant as the pool leader as the defending champions exploded an 84-53 win over Ephraim to enter the semifinals for the second time since last year's edition. While Stallions maintained their consistency by defeating Mission Giants with the score 81-46.
Taurus swept all the four quarters in the first match playing against Ephraim. The defending champions led the points with 23-06 in the first quarter and 33-19 in the second quarter respectively. Taurus continued to dominate the game after the first half as they took the lead with the points 56-41 in the third quarter and final quarter with 84-53 to end the match.
During the second match, Mission Giants came from behind and stunned the Stallions 24-18 in the first quarter. However, the unbeatable Stallions picked up momentum in the second quarter to take the lead with the score 42-31 points. Stallions continued their form to notch up 63-38 in the third quarter and 81-46 in the fourth quarter respectively to enter the semi-final round.
In the third quarter- final match of the day, TMB secured their semi-finals berth after a thumping victory over Ophidians by a score of 57-45 while Cretan Bulls also picked up a crucial victory, beating Orca 70-53 in their quarter-final match to join TMB in the semis.
TMB defeated Ophidians with 18-14, 23-22, 36-32 and 57-45 in the first, second, third and fourth quarter respectively to storm into the semi-finals. Cretan Bulls edged out Orca in an exciting encounter played in last match of the quarter finals in the evening.
Orca opened their account with 17-13 in the first quarter to take the lead but Cretan Bulls soon retained parity and equalised the spirited Orca with the score of 26-26 draw in the second quarter. After the first half, Cretan Bulls came back stronger and took the lead with 49-36 in the third quarter. The scoreboard read Cretan Bulls 70-53 Orca after the final whistle.
The four winning teams will clash with each other in the semi-finals. The champion will walk away with Rs 60,000 and runner up with Rs 30,000 along with trophies and citations. Both losing semi- finalist will receive Rs 10,000 each while the Most Valuable Player of the tournament will also pocket Rs 10,000.
Meanwhile, Ruopfuzhanuo Whiso, the reigning Miss Nagaland 1st runner-up and FBB Colour Femina Miss India Nagaland 2018 attended as special guest on Friday. Ruopfuzhanuo was appreciative of the way the organising committee, Suncity is organising the tournament and wished the best of luck to the contesting teams vying for the championship.
Meanwhile, Brig.Sandeep S.Sharda, DIG, 5 Sector Assam Rifles and Issac Kario has consented to grace the final event as guest of honour while former Flight Attendant Fitness and NMA Practioner and winner of Super Fight League 2012 will attend the event as a special guest on Saturday.
Tomorrow's Fixture:
1st Semi-Final: Taurus Vs TMB @12:00 noon onwards
2nd Semi-Final: Stallions Vs Cretan Bulls An exhibition match between Black Knights a sub-juniors Vs Grizzly sub-juniors as a special feature of 10th OBT will be played after the semi-finals followed by the final match between winners of 1st semi-final match and 2nd semi-final match.
