Beating D.S Senanayake Sports Club by 23 points Colombo International Kandy enters the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association semifinals on a high key.
Taking on a spin reaching the basket through the defenses of number 6 and 8 of DSSC, Azan of Colombo International School Kandy scored the first basket of the game. Picking up the next minute Devin D was able to score in the first two points for DSSC. Following that with a steal from Salin, Pruthuvi continued to bring the second consecutive basket for DSSC. But the swift spell of D. S. Senanayake College didn’t last long with Salim’s fourth quarter position shoots. With the pressure the Senanayakiyans gave in a technical foul which awarded two free throws to CIS. The two points came in handy on top of 6 baskets from Salim. (First Quarter – CIS Kandy 21; DSSC 15)
Off to a slow start D.S. Senanayake College changed the position. From playing within the circle in the first quarter they continued to move on to the defense strongly. This slowed down CIS Kandy to a certain extent, yet they were able to score a smashing 3-pointer from the corner. Kiran taking the advice of the coach was trying continuously for long shoots and finally succeeded. With that CIS Kandy made 15 points in the second quarter compared to the 21 they were able to score in the previous. D.S. Senanayake College was still stuck behind with 7 points. Mihad had the best in this score with three baskets coming in from him.
(Second Quarter – CIS Kandy 36; DSSC 22)
With his practiced shoots Kiran placed himself strategically off the three point line to start off the third quarter. With a pass from Salim from the center with hardly anyone in defense against Kiran he aimed for a long basket and successfully opened up the score in the third quarter with a three pointer. On top of that CIS Kandy was further awarded with two free throws thanks to a technical foul. Though late in attack, Sachintha returned the attack towards CIS – Kandy with a three pointer. Moving through the defenses of Salim and Salik Devin also was able to score a magnificent lay up for the DSSC. With this comeback DSSC was able to lead the third quarter regardless of Kiran’s spell binding start. The third quarter score for DS was 12 points while CIS was behind by 3 points at 9.
(Third Quarter – CIS Kandy 45; DSSC 34)
With the surprising increment in third quarter score by DSSC, coach of CIS – Kandy was pressuring the players with a new game plan. Entering the court with much hope, DSSC was the first score the basket. Pruthivi was back in attack after a silent third quarter. After the first basket, he was lucky to go for a follow up thanks to a steal by Vihan. Pruthuvi’s attempt failed this time due to a strong tap by Salim. Yet it was decided as a foul awarding one free throw, which DSSC grabbed on to moving their score up to 37. From that point the game turned in favor of CIS Kandy. Umair and Azan shared the most number of baskets. Coming in late to the play having the advantage of being fresh, Umair was able to score three consecutive baskets. With that the overall score of CIS reached a point gap of 23 points, easily entering the semi-finals of Under 19 A division Basketball tournament.
(Fourth Quarter – CIS Kandy 72; DSSC 49)
