The first match of the Group A was played between Asian International School and Lyceum International School– Wattala. AIS lads showcasing their A grade game registred the first win as the scoreboard read 60-41 at full time.
AIS won the jump ball and scored in the very first possession. Both the teams settling into the game quickly capitalized on the mistakes of the counterparts and an edge to edge battle ensued. The offense for the AIS lads was a natural flow as it their strong point. The visitors looked bar that natural flow and thus opted for a 2-2-1 zone defense which did work quite well.
Both the teams were swishing the nets in each and every possession which made it a challenge for both the sides to maintain ground on their territory. AIS led the game as the first quarter closed down when the scoreboard read 13-14.
Even though the Lyceumnites came into the second quarter with a psychological advantage of a good game, AIS managed to hold off the ambush convincingly . Their defense in the quarter was well structured with rebounds which eased off the pressure in the offense.
AIS plays their forwards well and so far none of the teams have managed to counter attack it. Following the same strategy they ease passed the opponent’s defense as they scored sixteen points in the quarter and commanded the game.
Lyceum Wattala only managed ten points. Rebounds did not come handy whilst their defense was ripped apart. The pressure was eventually transferred into offense which shifted the gears in momentum.
Half time – Asian International School – 30
Lyceum International School Wattala – 24
The game commenced after a much needed ten minute break with the hope that Lyceumnites would bounce back. But the nightmare for them continued even when they were wide awake.
AIS taking full advantage of the home conditions took the visitors at full throttle as they scored twelve points in reply to the visitors three. Lyceum seemed to be wandering off a lost track as their shots were rejected and no one was there to etch the rebounds.
Bevan Samuel of AIS walked off due to an ankle injury which was indeed a huge blow. But the home lads managed well, building strongly on the first half lead.
The final six hundred seconds were played off without much pressure as AIS lads headed only in the winning direction. Lyecum did try on the full court trap but only if they had opt to continue it longer they could have had a chance.
An basic offensive strategy would have helped the visitors in saving the day but the over confidence after the first quarter affected their downfall.
Full time – Asian International School – 60
Lyceum International School – 41
ThePapare.com player of the macth – Dhamshike Piyasena (Asian International School)
