YMCA Knights put up a good show of strength with Charles D’Souza and Shawn Soares put up outstanding performances for their side while Daley Fernandes and Malivai Fernandes worked tirelessly for Don Bosco Basketeers.
YMCA Knights were riding high after clinching a one-point nail biting win over the Sonics in the semi-finals.
Whereas the home team, Don Bosco Basketeers were the title favorites, having eased to a 20 point victory in the semi-finals the previous day against a young and resilient Don Bosco Panjim team.
Considering their history and rivalry in past competitions, the teams had a point to prove in the final. It turned out to be a gritty, hard fought and nerve wrecking contest, as neither team was willing to concede any ground to the opponents.
In the end, breaking the hearts of local supporters, YMCA Knights squeezed in the winning basket in the last minute of overtime to seal another one-point victory at 60-59.
For YMCA, Charles (20 pts) and Filipe (15 pts) were the top scorers while Daley (16 pts), Nigel (16 pts) and Spencer (15 pts) led the charge for Don Bosco Basketeers (Fatorda).
The winners were awarded Rs 10,000 and a trophy while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 5,000 and a trophy. In addition to the team prizes, Malivai Fernandes from Don Bosco Basketeers (Fatorda) received the trophy for the Best Young Player of the Tournament. A total of 13 teams participated. The third place was bagged by Sonex, Porvorim and they pocketed Rs 3,000.
Prizes were awarded by former MLA of Fatorda Constituency Damu Naik in the presence of Fr Kinley.
