Colombo BC entered the semifinal stage of CSL 2015, defeating Army 75-56 last evening at the Police Park Basketball Court.
As play commenced, Army got off to a shaky start, failing to convert twice after winning the jump ball. Colombo BC started off proceedings by sinking a 3 pointer from the left. Colombo was 5-0 up, before Perera got the scoreboard ticking for Army. Although Colombo BC was playing good basketball, they failed to convert the opportunities they created for themselves by moving the ball around the court. This paved the way for the Army players to settle down and tighten their defense, guarding their opponents at the arc and forcing them to take shots from the perimeter. Driving hard towards the basket, drawing contact and converting free throws, they led 11-17 at the end of the first quarter.
Both the teams were neck and neck throughout the second quarter; showing equal prowess in the defense, but committing a fair number of fouls. However, the two teams were below par in their free-throw percentages at this point. Colombo BC seemed to show an edge when it came to rebounds. Skipper Roshan Fernando and playmaker Praneeth Udumalagala scored 8 and 7 points respectively for Colombo in the second period.
Half-Time: Colombo BC 38- Army BC 34
Udumalagala opened scoring with a three pointer to increase Colombo’s lead. There was hint of sloppy play in this period, as both teams were scrambling all over the place after loose balls. Colombo maintained man to man defense at the arc intercepting passes and blocking shots, to cut off Army’s scoring opportunities to maintain a 10-0 run for half the quarter. The soldiers were derailed although they played decently well. Udumalagala, playing with an injury, scored twelve points in the third quarter. Army managed only five points. The game tipped in favor of Colombo, 58-41
Soldiers opted for a full court press to start off the final quarter. Colombo continued to score, making quick passes to counter the pressure
applied on them. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, Army’s best was simply not enough to stop Colombo from sealing a win and advancing to the top four.
Colombo BC`s Assistant Coach, Tharindu shared his thoughts after the game “We plan to give a good game against Avant BC in the semi-final; we have to improve on our defense; specially the sagging man-to man defense”
Skipper Roshan Fernando also addressing the media said about the need to improve on defense, as well as to fine tune their offensive game; and stressed on the highly supportive play of his teammates.
Full-time: Colombo BC 75- Army 56
ThePapare.com Player of the match: Praneeth Udumalagala (Colombo BC)
