Akbar Brothers (Men’s) and Seylan Bank (Women’s) crowned as ‘A’ Division Champions at 33rd MSBA League

Akbar Brothers men’s outfit and Seylan Bank PLC women’s side emerged victorious in the ‘A’ Division of the 33rd Mercantile Services Basketball Association (MSBA) League finals and were crowned as the champions, respectively. The MBSA League, recognised as the country’s premier corporate basketball event, is a vital platform that connects the sports and business sectors, helping many basketball players transition into successful corporate careers. The extravagant finals concluded at the Royal College Indoor Sports Complex yesterday (Friday the 5th).

Men’s Final – Fairfirst Insurance vs Akbar Brothers

For the blockbuster ‘A’ Division Final showdown, Fairfirst Insurance booked their ticket by beating Sampath Bank PLC with a 67 – 48 victory, while Akbar Brothers walked into the final with an 83 – 60 thumping win over fancied Seylan Bank PLC.

The Akbar Brothers opened the scoring with a blind throw at the bucket. Later, Fairfirst Insurance took their first blood through a couple of free throws. But the Akbar Brothers, who were in red jerseys, were all over the cage, and they had great passing accuracy and more control of the ball. Hence, Fairfirst Insurance were thrown on the back foot, and the Akbar boys ramped up their score during the first quarter. (1Q Akbar Bros. 25 – 12 FFI)

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The towering player, Isuru Perera of Fairfirst Insurance, opened the scoring in the 2nd quarter with a magnificent throw, and the Akbar brothers equally replied with an immediate shot. During the quarter, Akbar Brothers tried to extend their lead, but Fairfirst players who were in white looked more settled than in the previous phase. In the meantime the Akbar Brothers had some clumsy plays which eventually helped their opponents’ course. At one stage, Fairfirst managed to cut the deficit to just five points after a disastrous 1st quarter. (Halftime, Akbar Bros. 35 – 28 FFI)

In the initial phase of the 3rd quarter, Senura de Alwis put in a crucial short corner 3-pointer to extend the lead, applying all the pressure on the Fairfirst side. Akbar Brothers looked more solid in attack again, and the Red Jerseys quickly moved on the cage by deceiving the Fairfirst players. Eventually, Akbar Brothers managed to finish the quarter on a high and managed to put their fingertips on the trophy. (3Q Akbar Bros. 56 – 38 FFI)

With the start of the final quarter, Dimithri and Praneeth provided a couple of baskets to give a cushion of a 22-point lead. But Fairfirst struck back with a couple of magnificent 3-pointers, courtesy of Nimesh and Randima. During the latter part of the quarter, Fairfirst had a brilliant resurgence to cut the deficit to ten points. But the damage done in the 1st and 3rd quarters was too heavy to recover from, and Akbar Brothers managed to post a stylish victory to clinch their maiden MSBA League Men’s title. The unbeaten champions were led by their seasoned campaigner Dimitri Grabe while the talented youth player Dasun spearheaded the attack.

Full-time: Akbar Brothers 70 – 60 Fairfirst Insurance

During the men’s consolation final, Sampath Bank PLC managed to edge out Seylan Bank PLC with a scoreline of 70 – 64, after a thrilling battle.

• Most Valuable Player – Dasun Mendis (Akbar Brothers)

Women’s Final: Seylan Bank PLC vs David Peiris Group

The defending champions, Seylan Bank PLC, secured their spot in the coveted final by beating the runners-up of the previous edition, Commercial Credit women’s outfit (with 67 – 56 points). During the second semifinal, the lasses from David Peiris Group came from behind to beat HNB ladies (with 54 – 49 points) to book their place in the final.

Within seconds from the initial jump-off, standout player of Seylan Bank, Epsiba Washington, put a basket at a lightning pace. Imesha made a strong reply on behalf of David Peiris with an accurate 3-point throw to gain the lead. Then the experienced Seylan Bank outfit tightened the pressure on their opponents. The attack of Epsiba and Thalagala was too good for David Pieris’s ladies, and Seylan took the upper hand of the game after a fine latter phase. (1Q Seylan Bank 24 – 11 David Peiris)

In the 2nd quarter, the Seylan captain, Kamalene, led from the front and made a strong and accurate shot to open the scoring for Seylan. Immediately David Pieris counter-attacks with equally balanced play. The set saw an improved fight between the sides, and eventually it hindered the scoring opportunities. After a close tussle, the sides went to the bench for halftime after scoring ten points each during the second quarter. Halftime: Seylan Bank 34 – 21 David Peiris

David Pieris drew the first blood in the 3rd quarter with an exquisite play. But Indu and Kamalene’s combined effort helped Seylan to strike back with immediate effect. In the middle and latter part of the quarter, the lasses from Seylan Bank managed to expand the lead by almost securing the title. (3Q Seylan Bank 51 – 34 David Peiris)

In the final quarter the ball moved without any score, and suddenly Inoka Sandamali of David Pieris broke the shackles to take the first basket. Then Imesha Sonali put in a three-pointer for David Pieris, giving a glimmer of hope for their side. But the experience of the national players of Seylan Bank was instrumental during this passage, and Seylan resisted well to defend their title after a hard-fought final. The winning side was effectively managed and led by the national player, Kamalene Mills.

Fulltime: Seylan Bank PLC 70 – 55 David Peiris Group

• Most Valuable Player – Epsiba Washington (Seylan Bank)