Railways shock national champions Services in Savio Cup basketball

Mumbai, Nov 19 (UNI) Railways got off to a dream start as they shocked national champions Services 79-68 in a thrilling men's round robin league match, in the 4th UPL Savio Cup Basketball Tournament at the Don Bosco School, Matunga here today.

Trailing 17-23 at the end of the first quarter, Railways managed to grab a one-point half-time lead at 34-33.

It set the trend for a fast-paced encounter as Railways dominated the second quarter and returned to take control in the third, which proved decisive in the end.

Last year's runners-up Services ran an inspired Railways close in the fourth and final quarter as it ended at 20-20. But the significant leads enjoyed in the previous two quarters helped Railways snatch full points in a match that ended in yet another thrilling climax after ONGC beat Rest of India on the opening day.

In the women's round robin league, Maharashtra shocked defending champions South East Central Railway 79-68, after leading 42-34 at half-time. Jeo Blessan was the top scorer for the winners with 22 points.

Maharashtra took early charge in the first quarter. But they were forced to endure a strong challenge in the remaining three quarters including a thrilling second quarter that ended at 16-16 as the Railway girls battled hard to stay in the match.

Last year's women's runners-up Southern Railway kicked off their campaign with a fluent 64-49 win over Delhi.

Southern Railway dominated the match after a slow start and a close first quarter that ended at 14-13 in their favour. But the two-time Savio Cup champions took it away in the remaining three quarters.

Results: Men: Railways 79 (Vishesh B 22, Prakash Mishra 17, Yadwinder Singh 15) bt Services 68 (Narendra Grewal 14, Smithin Setta 14, Jai Ram 12, Sweeto Francis 10). HT: 34-33.

Women: Maharashtra 78 (Jeo Blessan 22, Indu 15, Lincy Joseph 14, Jiji John 10) bt South East Central Rly 66 (Bharti Netam 17, M.

Pushpa 13, Anju Lakra 13, Aakanksha Singh 11). HT: 42-34.

Southern Rly 64 (Geethu Anna Jose 20, Renjini Petere 13, Adhirai 6) bt Delhi 49 (Shubha Maggon 17). HT: 32-23.

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