Uttarakhand men, Indian Rlys women start with a win

New Delhi: Defending Champions Uttarakhand men and Indian Railways women started their campaign on a winning note by getting the better of their respective opponents in the 64th National Basketball Championship here on Wednesday.

While Uttarakhand men defeated Indian Railways 68-62, Indian Railways women beat West Bengal 68-40 on the opening day of the championship. In the match between Uttarakhand and Indian Railways both teams were matching basket for basket throughout the game. Scores were tied at 15 in the first quarter and Uttarakhand managed to nudge past Indian Railways 68-62 at half time. The third quarter saw Indian Railways taking a 45-39 lead. Amritpal Singh scored a double-double with 25 Points (22 Rebounds), Riyaz Uddin 16 (two 3 pointers) and Yadwinder Singh finished with 12 points for Uttarakhand. Gagandeep Singh scored 20 and Prakesh Mishra added 10 points for Indian Railways. Indian Railways, who were leading 37-27 at half time scored through Anju Lakra, who top scored with 13, Manisha Dange, Krishnan Radha and S Kokila scored 12 points apiece. S Oraon (11) and S Tudu finished with eight points for West Bengal. The winner will take home Rs 1,00,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively. The rest of the teams will be playing the qualifying league in the Pools `C,D,E,F` for a chance to be promoted to Level 1 for the 65th Senior National Basketball Championship.