Methoites retain crown against Bishopians in final-minute thriller

The much awaited 3rd BC-MC Annual Basketball Encounter 2026 between Bishop’s College and Methodist College took place on October 30th 2026, at the Royal College Sports Complex (Royal Indoor Sports Complex) in Colombo 07. In front of a packed crowd, Methodist College produced a superb fourth-quarter comeback to edge Bishop’s College 47 – 41 and retain the title for yet another year. Earlier in the day, the Methodist College Under 16 outfit had already stamped their authority with a convincing 44 – 35 victory.

Under 16 Encounter

The game opened with a strong tip-off by the Bishopians to claim the early advantage, but Methodist College quickly forced a turnover and converted it into the game’s first basket. As Methodist built a 5 – 0 lead, Bishop’s College executed a sharp interception to break through and get on the board. Undeterred, the Methodist squad stayed composed, kept running their offense, and continued to pile on the points to maintain a comfortable lead by the end of the first quarter. (1st Quarter – MC 09 – 02 BC)

Methodist College re-started the game with the same attitude and extended the lead with a basket and a three pointer. When Bishop’s College was trailing 14 – 02, the girls in purple re-grouped and counterattacked to earn some points on the board. However, the mighty Methoites were unshaken and continued their rhythm to earn a 15-point lead at the Half Time. (Half Time – MC 24 – 09 BC)

Bishop’s College delivered a much-improved performance in the third quarter, completely shifting the momentum of the game. Skipper Elinna Subasinghe led from the front, draining back-to-back baskets to bring the Under 16 outfit right back into the hunt. Moments later, the towering Tiana Perera sank a brilliant three-pointer, heavily lifting the morale of the Purple Brigade. Dominating the quarter, the Bishop’s girls took total control of the court by outscoring their opponents 14 – 7. (3rd Quarter – MC 31 – 23 BC)

When control of the game began to slip from Methodist College, their standout player Adina Selvadurai stepped up, securing crucial points to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. As tension mounted in the final minutes, the match grew increasingly physical, yet Methodist College held their nerve. Outscoring their rivals 13 – 12 down the stretch, they sealed a well-earned 44 – 35 victory in the Under 16 encounter.

Full Time – Methodist College U16 44 – 35 Bishop’s College U16

Over 16 Encounter

The much awaited actions of the “Clash of the Titans” started with a super jump-off by the Methodist College to secure the early possession. But the spirited Purple brigade from Bishop’s College never summoned and made an equally brilliant turnover to secure the first basket of the game. Without wasting much time, the Methoites equalized the game, but Bishop’s College yet again managed to reinstate their 2 point lead. Later, the Captain of Methodist College, Mischelle Rathnayake, had an opportunity to equalize the score as Bishop’s College was penalised for foul play. However, the Skipper was unsuccessful with both free throws. After a see-saw battle, Bishop’s College got their nose ahead of Methodist College with a single point lead. (1st Quarter – MC 08 – 09 BC)

With the start of the second quarter, the Skipper of Methodist College Mischelle led from the front and secured another basket to put her side in the lead for the 1st time in the game. But thanks to the all-round brilliance of the Bishop’s Co-Captain Ayansa Sri Ranjan, the Purple brigade attained a 15 – 11 lead. Once again, Methodist College displayed a superb comeback to gain a 16 – 15 lead. Until the final seconds of the quarter, Bishop’s held on to a 19 – 16 lead, but the opposition Skipper Mischelle’s brilliance spoiled their party again. She made a fine intercept to gain the possession and had a wonderful shot at the basket to secure three points by equalizing the game at the Half Time. (Half Time – MC 19 – 19 BC)

Bishop’s College’s Co-Captain Ayansa made a successful shot from the front side to gain the first points of the 3rd quarter. Then, the battle of the Skippers continued, with Ayansa and Michelle coming up with counter baskets and lifting the heat of the game. When the game was even-stevens at the death of the 3rd quarter, the pocket dynamite, Mischelle, yet again displayed her class and made another exquisite throw to gain three points. With that superb display, Methodist College walked to the bench with a crucial four points lead. (3rd Quarter – MC 31 – 27 BC)

As Bishop’s College fought for a comeback, Methodist College’s tenacious Abhilaya drilled a deep three-pointer in the opening seconds of the fourth and final quarter. Trailing by seven points, Bishop’s College answered through the trio of Selani, Oneli and Yehali, who reeled off back-to-back baskets to narrow the gap to a single point. Co-Captain Oneli Weerasekara then sliced through the defensive press to score and reclaim the lead for Bishop’s College. Though Abhilaya temporarily tied the game with a free throw, Oneli put Bishop’s back on top following a crucial rebound. Momentum swung again when Yehali burst out of the silence to attack from the left wing and sink a clutch basket. Down by four points inside the final two minutes, Methodist College’s Chenuthi answered by cutting the deficit to two, before Abhilaya once more leveled the score. In the game’s decisive moment, the Methodist Skipper and standout of the match intercepted a loose pass to convert the go-ahead basket. Bishop’s College threw everything into a frantic final-second push, but Methodist College held firm, sealing a thrilling six-point victory.

Full Time – Methodist College 47 – 41 Bishop’s College

While Methodist College secured a hard-fought and brilliant victory, the girls from Bishop’s College proved their mettle by holding the lead until the final couple of minutes. In the end, Methodist College clinched the title, capping off a thrilling contest that truly rewarded the large and vocal crowd of supporters.

Skipper of Methodist College Over 16 Basketball outfit, Mischelle Ratnayake, with the Over 16 Championship Trophy.

Special Award – Under 16 Encounter

Best Offensive Player – Shavika Jayasekara (Bishop’s College)

Best Defensive Player – Ruqayyah Farazy (Methodist College)

Most Valuable Player – Adina Selvadurai (Methodist College)

Special Award – Over 16 Encounter

Best Offensive Player – Ayansa Sri Ranjan (Bishop’s College)

Best Defensive Player – Abhilaya Sivakumaran (Methodist College)

Most Valuable Player – Mischelle Ratnayake (Methodist College)

Under 16 – Winners – Methodist College

Anishka Muthuthanthri, Glory Jayawardhana, Jessica Jesudasan, Pranushikka Thileeban, Eleena Jayawardhana, Adina Selvadurai, Ruqayyah Farazy, Adeena Izzadeen, Kenuli Perera, Muthuli Kathriarachchi, Amindya Ratnayake, Anidri Fernando, Amra Sulaiman, Joanne Hettiarachchi, Thikshika Parimalendran

Under 16 – Runners Up – Bishop’s College

Elinna Subasinghe, Aliana Raheemdeen, Seha Weerasooriya, Gesandi Seneviratne, Liyara Dasanayake, Shavika Jayasekara, Vinudi Wijeratne, Vihara Ukwatte, Dashwana Wikramathilake, Disuli Abeysinghe, Tiana Perera, Ravya Jayawardhane, Ravisha Ukwattege

Over 16 – Winners – Methodist College

Mischelle Rathnayake (Captain), Senaya Andarawewa, Abhilaya Sivakumaran, Chenuthi Unawatuna, Devmi Gajasinghe, Vihansa Senaratne, Hesali Rannulu, Rashmi Peiris, Ummaynah Farazy, Myrakal De Silva, Anika Selvadurai, Thanushi Wilson

Over 16 – Runners Up – Bishop’s College

Shavini Weerasinghe, Oneli Weerasekara, Ayansa Sri Ranjan, Dilansa Weerasinghe, Yehali Silva, Selani Kulendran, Gihansa Sahabandu, Mihika Kulapala, Shakira Deen, Charini Yasanayake, Leena Ebrahim, Nethaliya Perera