Southern Rly open campaign with fluent win

Mumbai, Nov 28 (UNI) Women's defending champions Southern Railway, Chennai opened their campaign with a convincing 69-47 win over UPL-Rest of India, in the third All India United Phosphorous Savio Cup Basketball Tournament, at Don Bosco School, Matunga here today.

Southern, recent winners of the Ramu Memorial title in Mumbai, experienced an early challenge from Rest as they battled hard to take advantage. Rest kept pace until the half-time when Southern led by a narrow 28-25 margin.

But Southern, looking for their third consecutive Savio Cup title, are known to be slow starters. They warmed up by the third quarter, which proved decisive, as they led 50-35, before again dominating the fourth.

India star Geethu Anna Jose once again made the difference as she top scored with 26 points, while Renjini Peter and M Adhirai (12 each) added to the tally.

Anju Lakra (10), Seema Singh and Bincy (9 each) were the main scorers for UPL-Rest of India.

In the men's category, Railways opened their campaign with an easy 77-48 win over Tamil Nadu, who crashed to their second defeat, while national champions Services fashioned their third successive win in as many ties with a 90-41 win over Maharashtra who crashed to their third consecutive defeat in as many matches.

UNI