The Sri Lanka Under-16 ladies’ team ended the preliminary round of the South Asia Basketball Association (SABA) Under-16 Qualifiers tournament on a high note with back-to-back wins against Bangladesh and Maldives.
However, the Sri Lankan girls had no answers to the fierce attack of the mighty Indians and suffered a heavy 104-38 loss in the opener of the SABA Under-16 Championship.
In the first quarter, the Indians got off to a great start, securing a 6-0 lead. Sri Lanka tried to get back into the game as the promising young talent Tharah Arzoon scored their maiden two points. But the talented and well-organized Indian outfit never let the game slip out of their hands and posted a commanding 23-8 score despite the energetic efforts of the Lankans.
On the brink of half-time, the Indians intensified their attack and firmly took the driver’s seat with a 41-12 lead. By the end of regulation time, the Indian girls enjoyed a comfortable 104-38 victory.
Full-time score: India 104 – Sri Lanka 38
Reva Kulkarni, Viha Reddy, Saanvi Kolisetty, and Nethra Birudavolu inflicted most of the damage on Sri Lanka, representing the victorious Indian side. For Sri Lanka, captain Binuthi and Tharah Arzoon performed commendably against the tournament’s toughest opponent.
In a must-win game to qualify for the finals, the Sri Lankan lasses fought hard against the hosts, Maldives. The Presbyterian girl Tharah Arzoon gave Sri Lanka an early lead of 4 points, but the Maldivians fought back to take the lead. Although Maldives led briefly during the first quarter, a couple of exceptional three-pointers from Sri Lankan captain Binuthi secured a slender lead. (1st quarter: SL 15-13 Maldives)
The Maldivian girls had a disastrous second quarter, while the Sri Lankan ladies maintained their rhythm. Sri Lanka added another 15 points, while the hosts managed just 3 points in reply. (2nd quarter: SL 30-16 Maldives)
During the break, the Maldivian coach appeared to adjust the game plan with a few substitutions, and the Maldives girls returned to the court fighting with renewed spirit. But Sri Lanka stuck to the basics and prevailed, scoring another 20 points, while the rivals added 18 during the third quarter. (3rd quarter: SL 50-34 Maldives)
The Sri Lankan ladies continued their dominance in the final quarter, scoring another 21 points as the Maldivians replied with 11. At the end of the day, Binuthi and her lasses enjoyed a comfortable win over the hosts. It was heartening to see a few Sri Lankans residing in Maldives come out to support their team.
Full-time score: Sri Lanka 71 – 45 Maldives
In the final game of the preliminary round, the Sri Lankan girls faced Bangladesh, who were searching for their maiden victory of the tournament. From the outset, the spirited Sri Lankan lasses took control, ending the first quarter with a commanding 35-5 lead.
At the start of the second quarter, Bangladesh tried to settle down, but Sri Lanka never let them take the upper hand. During this quarter, Sri Lanka added another 15 points, while Bangladesh could only manage a single point. By half-time, Sri Lanka enjoyed a comfortable 50-6 lead.
From the third quarter onwards, Sri Lanka opted to test their bench strength. As a result, the scoring rate dipped slightly, though the Lankan lasses continued to extend their lead. By the end of the third quarter, Sri Lanka were cruising with a score of 66-13.
The final quarter was somewhat more successful for Bangladesh, as they managed to add 8 points. Sri Lanka also finished strong, securing another 21 points. After some thrilling action, the Sri Lankan outfit posted an excellent win over their arch-rivals Bangladesh.
Full-time score: Sri Lanka 87 – 21 Bangladesh
Full time score Sri Lanka 87 – 21 Bangladesh
 Under-16 Qualifiers tournament on a high note with back-to-back wins against Bangladesh and Maldives.){kind=link}