KATHMANDU, July 10: The men´s team of GoldenGate College lifted the Morgan Cup 12th Men´s and 11th Women´s National Basketball Championship defeating NASA College while Prime Sports Club lifted the title in women´s category with a win over Premier College on Tuesday.
GoldenGate beat NASA 79-71 to avenge its defeat in the final of 2010 while Prime overpowered Premier 48-38 in the title clash played at the covered hall of the Dasharath Stadium.
Both the teams have created history in Nepali basketball for winning the title four times.
In the final of men´s category, NASA took the first period 23-20 but it could not hold on the lead for long. GoldenGate bounced back in the second quarter and took it 27-20 for a four point lead by half time.
Players of Goldengate Club pose for the photograph. (Photo: Bikash Karki)
After the resumption of the game, NASA made a comeback and took the third period 18-14 to level the score 61-61. GoldenGate dominated the fourth quarter, winning it 18-10 for an overall score of 79-71.
Manish Rajopadhya was the soul for GoldenGate´s victory as he scored 23 points including three three-pointers with five offensive and defensive rebounds. Bipindra Maharjan had eight offensive and defensive rebounds with 10 assists for the team. Binod Maharjan was the highest scorer for NASA with 25 points with 12 offensive and defensive rebounds. Robin Khatri netted 14 points and had 11 assists for the team.
Bhanu Kapali, former player and coach of GoldenGate, said they secured victory because of teamwork. “Both young and experienced players worked hard during the game. Our defense and shooting were in the best form and we were able to stop the players of NASA from shooting.”
Players of Prime Collage after winining tournament (Photo: Bikash Karki)
NASA coach Yeman Gurung said that injury of Binod Maharjan and Robin Khatri cost them the match. “Maharjan had knee injury and he had taken pain-killers prior to the match while Khatri was injured during the game,” said Gurung, adding, “We also had foul trouble so we could not play as we played in the semifinal.”
In the final of the women´s category, Prime took hold of all the periods for its fourth title in the national championship. Prime took the first period with the score of 10-9 and the second 10-6. Prime had a five-point lead by the half-time.
After the half, Prime continued its dominance in the match and took the remaining periods 8-6 and 20-17. Sneha Shrestha and Gyanu Gauuchan scored combined 27 points for the team. Shrestha scored 15 points while Gauchan scored 12 points.
After the win, Prime´s coach Bikash Shahi said that he was elated to win the national title for the fourth time. “It was a team effort and every player contributed their part in the game,” added Shahi.
Sushil Gurung of GoldenGate was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the men´s category for his outstanding performance in the championship.
Sneha Shrestha of Prime Club was declared the MVP in the women´s category. Both the MVPs received trophy and gift hampers from Addidas.
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