Buffaloes Black walked away in anguish as they suffered another defeat as the Colombo Basketball Club rolled out to a 73-41 victory at full time.
The match commenced with the traditional jump ball start and Buffaloes drew first blood as they swished the nets with a three pointer. The transition from defense to offense was slow and the Colombo Basketball benefiting from it scored and held sway on the game. Since Colombo BC was on top of the game in the rebounding factor, it was easy for them to run down the ball across the court and convert them into points. Buffaloes opted for a sagging man-to-man defense but the offense plan of rotating of the ball among the players of Colombo BC proved to be better. The maiden quarter ended with an eight point Colombo BC lead.
Both the teams were equally matched with talent, even though Colombo BC did have the tallest man on the court; Buffaloes could have etched more rebounds if their post players were up to the task a bit more. Jason Wijesuriya could have handled Gayan De Croos but he was totally off -radar yesterday and it was huge blow to the Buffaloes. The offense of the Buffaloes did not settle down and it was the odd shots that bought them the points. It was not at all enough to oust the Colombo lads. Opting for a man-to-man defense they defended their territory well as they made sure they kept the score board ticking at the other end.
Half time – Colombo Basketball Club – 35 Buffaloes Black – 23
Even after the ten minute break, the Buffaloes did not seem to counter-attack. Colombo started off the season without their star player Sudesh Ahamed who is sitting out due to an injury. Yet, so far up to now Sanjeewa Kulumina and Gayan De Cross have done a top notch job in etching the rebounds and making sure the outfit has that second chance at the score board.
The Buffaloes shooting was not at its best as they did miss a considerable number of shots outside the arc and it did cost the game at the end. Maybe if the coach did opt for a half court press or a full court press during the third quarter they could have still been alive in the game. On the other hand if they tried to organize their offense according to text book, they could have still had a chance to etch the winning line.
Full time – Colombo Basketball Club – 73 Buffaloes Black – 42
