MSBA League 2017 gets under way
View(s):
Men's C Division match in progress
The 27th edition of the Mercantile Services Basketball Association (MSBA) League Tournament 2017got under way on Monday (12), at Sir Edward Henry Pedris Stadium, Colombo 5.
In the tournament openers, Mobitel Women, Kanrich Finance (Kanrich) Men and WNS Global Men recorded victories while Nations Trust Bank (NTB) Women Aitken Spence Men and Virtusa Men emerged winners on the Day 2.
The tournament, with 37 Men’s teams in 5 Divisions and 9 Women’s teams in 2 Divisions, making a total of 120 matches, will continue daily at the same venue, August 11. Â Â - LR
 Results of matches upto Day 3
- Â Women’s ‘B’ Division:
Action at Women's B Division match
Mobitel beat John Keells Holdings (JKH) 82/7 (Halftime 51/2) in a one-sided game.
Gayani Wijesiri (24), Hansika Fernando (20) and Indipani Dissanayake (16) excelled.
Player of the Game: Gayani Wijesiri (Mobitel)
NTB used their experience to defeat IFS R&D International 40/13. Halftime NTB led 23/5.
Mishika Gunewijeya (21) and Niroshini Paiva (9) were the main scorers for NTB.
Player of the Game: Mishika Gunawijeya (NTB)
- Â Men’s ‘B’ Division:
Kanrich trailing by 2 points (22/24) at halftime, got their act together in the 2nd period, for a heart-stopping 48/44 win over JKH. Kanishka Wijesinghe (18) and Brinsly Perera (13) excelled for Kanrich, while Wishwa Samarasekera (11) played tirelessly for JKH.
Player of the Game: Kanishka Wijesinghe (Kanrich Finance)
- Â Men’s ‘E’ Division:
WNS Global scored a comfortable 38/28 win over debutants, Moulana Travels, after leading 28/14 at halftime. The matchwinners were Inam Ismail (11) and Riflan Nilafir (11).
After several lead changes and no clear winner throughout the game, Aitken Spence held their nerve in the dying seconds to pull off a close 40/39 win over IFS R&D International, after the losers led 21/20 at halftime.
Rashmika Lawrance (19), Anuruddha (9) and Chamara Appuhamy (7) were outstanding for the winners, while Nandun Withanachchi (20), Prabath Wasala (8) and Ajith Shaminda (6) led stood out for the IFS.
Player of the Game: Rashmika Lawrance (Aitken Spence)
Virtusa (Pvt) Ltd. making a comeback to Mercantile Basketball after a few years, put up a solid performance to beat London Stock Exchange (LSE) 40/30, after leading 21/10 at halftime.
Kasun Chamara (12), Minul Wimalagunaratne (12) and Andrew De Mel (8) excelled for Virtusa. Isuru Namal (9), Gihan Samarasinghe (6) and Indika Ramanayake (6) were the top shooters for LSE.
Player of the Game: Kasun Chamara (Virtusa)
- Â Men’s ‘C’ Division:
Gihan Sarinda (25) and Stephen Fernando (25) combined effectively in the 2nd half to hand over LB Finance a close 58/57 win over Union Bank. N. Morais (20), C. Ashan (13) and K. Kenneth (12) excelled for UB.
Player of the Game: Gihan Sarinda (LB)
NDB scored an impressive 56/39 win over Seylan Bank. Mohamed Fawashan (18), Jude Fernando (15) and M. Cabandugama (10) were the top shooters for the winners. NDB led 25/19 at half time.
Player of the Game: Mohamed Fawshan (NDB)
- Â Men’s ‘D’ Division:
Debutants JAT Holdings made a memorable entrance with a fine 55/46 win over Hirdaramani Group after leading 27/17 at half time. Ashan Gunasinghe (20), Chamila Liyanage (17) and K. Kaushalya (15) were in top form for the winners. Sachith Perera (12) and N. Niroshan (10) played well for the losers.
Player of the Game: Ashan Gunasinghe (JAT)