LUDHIANA, February 2: Holders Railways, seeking their ninth consecutive title, unleashed a powerful performance to subdue an inexperienced Delhi to move into the women's semifinals with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala at the 48th National Basketball Championship here today.Railways thrashed Delhi 85-36 and Madhya Pradesh scored a facile 50-17 victory over Karnataka. Kerala eves were equally strong in defeating Andhra Pradesh 65-33 while Maharashtra pipped Punjab 54-51.
Railways forwards were in ominous touch and sunk baskets with accuracy to leave no doubt about the one-sided result from the start. Shivani (13) and Nishitha (11) fought gallantly but in vain.
In the mens section, Maharashtra beat West Bengal and Railways downed Delhi to grab the last two quarterfinal berths. In the last eight, Maharashtra will face reigning champions Tamil Nadu and Railways take on hosts Punjab. Kerala women will now meet holders Railways in the semifinals tomorrow while Madhya Pradesh will clash withMaharashtra.
Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka women were handed a raw deal by the organisers as theirs was the only match to be played outdoors, where they had to brave steady drizzle and slippery court conditions.
MP girls adapted to the conditions better than Karnataka to post a comfortable 50-17 win. Kerala women also proved their superiority in beating AP 65-33.
Maharashtra women completed the semifinal line-up downing Punjab 54-51 in a thrilling quarterfinal match. This match was rescheduled and started afresh indoors after rain interrupted the earlier start outdoors with Maharashtra leading 26-19.
Maharashtra will now face MP in the semis tomorrow. Pradnya Mane led the Maharashtra charge today with 22 points and five rebounds and was ably assisted by Arnika Gujar who got 10 points.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
