The second semi- final of the tournament was worked off yesterday between the hosts Asian International School vs. S. Thomas` College. AIS playing at its full potential decimated the lads from Mount as the placed themselves well in the finals when the final scorecard read 70-55.
The visitors winning the jump ball drew first blood. Hosts came back into the game in the next possession. The Thomaians did play good minutes of basketball at the start of the quarter. AIS did not show any signs of settling themselves into the game. They opted for a zone defense and it was not one of the best to play with. The pace of the game was considerably slow and not too much intensity was shown by the either of the teams. AIS opting for a slow start scored most of their points through set plays. Thomians led the game by four points at the end of the first quarter.
AIS settling nerves in the second quarter pushed the defense of the Thomians and tested them in all aspects. Taheer Akbarally continuing his sublime form swished the nets continuously and kept on the scoreboard ticking. Bevan Samuel kept on creating play after play for the rest of the teammates to score. Thomains were way off the cards in rebounds as they missed a considerable amount in both offense and defense. AIS grabbing the dirt ball shot the second chances and converted them into points. AIS scored twenty points in the quarter while the visitors managed only four.
Half time – Asian International School – 34 S.Thomas` College – 22
After a much needed ten minutes, the lads from Mount were supposed to be revitalised but the body language said otherwise. They did not seem to have a clear plan in neither of their offense nor defense.
AIS capitalising on the mistakes kept on pushing the opponents out of the comfort zone. AIS settled themselves completely into the game as they went on scoring rampage and booked their spot in the finals against the Royalits.
Full time – Asian International School – 70 S. Thoma`s College – 55
ThePapare.com player of the match – Bevan Samuel (Asian International School)
