TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda lived up to their strength to outplay defending champions KJ’s Miramar 50-34 in the final of the 22nd edition of Aliens Basketeers’ all-Goa basketball tournament.
In a fast-paced match played at Fr Benedict Furtado stadium, at Don Bosco, Panjim, DBO Fatorda side from down South held their nerves through the match to run away victors.
Initially, KJ’s started off well with their lanky pivot Aakash Madgavkar in good nick and scoring with ease.
As the match progressed, Daley Fernandes came into his own scoring with ease and exhibiting fine offensive play-making to help DBO turn the tide and gain the lead at half time 22-18.
The match was a treat for the Sunday crowd, as both the teams pressed the pedal to speed up the proceedings and play the game at a delightful pace.
Emotions did run high through the 40-minute playing time and two of KJ’s top-five players — Abraham Menezes and Amish Jain — were ejected for committing five personal fouls.
Daley Fernandes (21 points) and Spencer Viegas (9 points) did the bulk of the scoring for DBO Fatorda, while Aakash Madgavkar (12 points) and Shane Dias (11 points) were the main contributors for KJ’s. The final was officiated by Andrew Cardozo, Agnelo Dias and Ashley do Rosario.
Prior to the men’s final, Margao Basketeers outplayed DBO Panjim 38-17 in an exhibition women’s match. Rachel Raposa (10 points) and Franzila Rodrigues (8 points) scored prolifically for the Margao side while Hannah Arred (7 points) played well for DBO, Panjim.
Rector of Don Bosco Panjim, Fr Savio Gomes was the chief guest and presented the cash prizes and trophies along with Principal Fr Avin Carvalho, DBO Director Fr Ralin de Souza, DBO Fatorda Rector Fr Kinley D’Cruz and Fr Julius.
