Date:10/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/10/stories/2004111007012000.htm

Sport - Basketball

Vijaya Bank retains title

By Our Sports Reporter

Vijaya Bank, which won the `A' division basketball league championship (2004) in Bangalore.

BANGALORE, NOV. 9. Vijaya Bank continued its reign in the State basketball league for the ninth successive year. In a match of two undefeated teams Vijaya Bank outpaced Madras Engineering Group (MEG) 60-51 to retain the A Division basketball league title for the Prof. N. C. Parappa Trophy at the Beagles court here today.

The bankmen began in a blistering pace to lead 10-0 before the Sappers could open its account. But MEG narrowed down the lead to 19-21 before going into the break at 29-23 in Vijaya Bank's favour.

Soon after the break however Murli Mohan and B.S. Goutham with a couple of three pointers each simply took the game away from the Sappers to win at the end. MEG did make a last ditch effort but Prashanth and Manoj missed a few easy shots while veteran Asweeto Francis looked clearly over the hill.

Jijin K. Joseph of MEG was adjudged the best player of the league, while Darshan of JSC was declared the most promising player.

An exhibition match was played between the stalwarts of the yesteryear and a good number of them (from all over Bangalore) turned up. The former internationals and State players were felicitated by the Beagles Basketball Club.

The result: Vijaya Bank 60 (Srinivasa Gowda 13, Murli Mohan 13, Stalin 12) bt MEG 51 (Sweeto Francis 15, Prashanth 13).