De La Salle clinch U-19 Div ‘B’ cager title
After conceding a 17 point lead at half time, De La Salle College rallied in the second half to defeat Royal Institute by 66 points to 58 and clinch the All-Island Schools Under-19 Division ‘B’ Basketball Championship in the final that was played at Mutwal on Wednesday. At half time Royal Institute were ahead with 44 points to De La Salle’s 27.
For De La Salle skipper Nipun Lakshitha was on target with 18 points while Mohamed Fadil (13) and Sanjula Heshan (11) also helped to swell the score. For Royal Institute the best shooter was Pawan Gamage with 19 points while Sudesh Weerkoon (18) and Trehan Benjamin (12).
Nipun Lakshitha and Ashan Shalaka of De La Salle College were adjudged the most valuable and best defensive player respectively. The best offensive player award was picked up by Trehan Benjamin of Royal Institute.
Earlier on Mahanama College won the third place playoff to secure the third place of the tournament when they posted an easy 84 to 59 point win over Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda at Mutwal. At half time the winners led by 27 to 20.
Akshitha Madushan with 25 points and Tikiri Eshan (16) played best for Mahanama, while Isuru Bagya (12) and Gavin Shalind were the best shooters for Dharmasoka. – BM
 Mahanama won the third place overall |
 The victorious De La Salle team |
 Best offensive player, Trehan Benjamin of Royal Institute |
 Royal Institute cagers, who emerged runners-up |
 De La Salle skipper Nipun Lakshitha was adjudged the most valuable |
 Best defensive player, Ashan Shalaka of De La Salle |