The final day of the league stages in Season 2 began with last season’s finalists, Pune Peshwas and defending champions Chennai Slam taking on each other in a battle for first place in the southern division. Well aware that the top spot would ensure a direct entry into the semifinals, both teams came out with playoff-type desperation.
Centre Ravi Kumar was seen back in the starting lineup for the Peshwas alongside forward/ centre Gaurav Ohlan. Pune also started with a three-guard lineup with Ajinkya Mane, Siddhanth Shinde and Narender Grewal. Chennai stuck to their usual starting five, which has resulted in 4 wins out of the 6 games they have played.
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Slam centre Gopal Ram started the game well, taking advantage of mismatches down low to score in the paint. Gopal was complemented well by Niagerain baller Agu who was able to penetrate the Pune defense to either score or create for his teammates.
Chennai went up by 10 points at the end of the first quarter and kept their momentum going in the second quarter as well. Pune found it difficult to handle Agu’s speed and athleticism, while Gopal Ram earned his points on the charity stripe, shooting 12 of 14 on the freethrow line for the game. Forward Ramkumar came off the bench to knock down a couple of triples in the first half to further build Chennai’s lead. Slam ended the first half up 42 to 29 and Pune had a lot of work to do to come back in the contest.
In the second half, Pune coach Nandu Mehta scored a masterstroke by putting in veteran reserve guard Karna Mehta. His instant offense sparked the Pune comeback. Karna was unconscious from the field knocking down all his shots in the second half. Guards Siddhanth Shinde and Narender Grewal also stepped up their game in the third quarter knocking down shots from the inside and the outside. Pune ended the third quarter up by 6 points 57 to 51.
In the fourth, Chennai’s Gopal (24 points) fought valiantly in the paint, trying to regain the lead for his team. But 8 straight points by Karna Mehta (16 points), coupled with some late buckets by centre Ravi Kumar maintained Pune’s slim lead. The Peshwas closed out on a 77-74 victory, finishing the league stages on a high note. Karna Mehta deservedly earned the player of the match honours. The results of the second south division game today would determine the final standings.
Pune Peshwas (Siddhanth Shinde 19 pts, Karna Mehta 16 pts, Gaurav Ohlan 14 pts) bt Chennai Slam (Gopal Ram 24 pts, Chukwunanu Agu 16 pts 6 assists, Ashutosh Rai 11 pts 12 rbs) 77-74 (11-21, 18-21, 28-9, 20-23)
