The second day of the 51st senior mens National Championship level II started later than the scheduled time at the Gateway College Kandy basketball court.

Photos: Senior Nationals 2017 | Day Two | Level II (Men)

Photos of the Senior Nationals Basketball 2017 | Day One| Level II (Women)

The first match scheduled for the day was Jaffna District BA and Southern District BA. There were two matches in the first half of the day’s play which were the group stages of the tournament.

Jaffna District BA Vs Southern District BA.

Southern District BA team which comprised of many experienced players won the game rather convincingly in the end with a score line of 61-49. The Southern players were well built and tall in stature which they utilized in their favour in defending their post. However they started the game very poorly. They tried getting the 3 points rather and working their way through the court to accumulate points. Jaffna however did what they did best which was to penetrate the defence well through their shorter players.

Half-time: Jaffna District BA (16) – (15) Southern District BA

Southern District however got their act together in the fourth quarter of the match where they scored some brilliant 3 pointers. Jaffna started the game well like in the first half securing the jump ball and scoring heavily in the first few minutes.

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Southern District then showed their experience by drawing out the defense of the Jaffna District which left the single shooter of the Southern District open to attempt a free 3 pointer which they executed pitch perfectly. Southern won the match by a 12 points margin.

Full-time: Jaffna District BA (49) – (61) Southern District BA

Speaking to the captain of Southern District coach after their win he shared his views with representatives of ThePapare: ‘We had some experienced players in our team, some of the players have played in the Army and Mercantile teams before too I think that is why we were able to win this match. We will look to win our next match and proceed to the semi finals.’


Kandy District BA Vs Kurunegala District BA

A strong first half from Kandy District proved too much for the Kurunegala District. Kandy at one point had a lead of 20 points in the second quarter of the game. Kandy District settled into their game much sooner than the lads from Kurunegala did. They however lacked the ability to convert the easy free throwers into points which was a shame.

Kandy’s one on one defense proved successful today as well as there were many turnovers and stolen balls added on to the intercepts. Kandy almost ran away with the game but at the end of the first half there were some stunning 3 pointers which pulled back the deficit somewhat. At the breather Kandy led 39-22

Half-time: Kandy District BA (39) – (22) Kurunegala BA

It was a complete different story in the third and fourth quarters. Kandy District was completely outplayed. There were some fouls gifted to Kurunegala District as well, it was like Kandy left Kurunegala the door open for a comeback win. Eventually they did hold on to win the game by a mere margin of 3 points due to a foul by a Kurunegala player which resulted in 2 points.

Full-time: Kandy District BA (62) – (59) ) Kurunegala BA

Speaking to the coach of Kandy District after their win he shared his views with representatives of ThePapare: We will look to repeat this performance tomorrow too. We will look to win the semi’s first thing the morning and then assess the final.