Basketball: Pazaps defeated Takins 78-68 in the first overtime (OT) period of the on-going Pepsi A-league basketball tournament at the Swimming Pool Complex in Thimphu yesterday.

The tournament saw the first OT after a buzzer shot from Jamtsho Tshering of Takins tied the points at 59 each at the end of the fourth quarter. However, the Pazaps were the superior team that managed to bag the two points at the end of 45 minutes.

The last five minutes of the normal game time was one of the most physical and exciting games played so far in the tournament. With just three minutes on the clock, Jamtsho Tshering with a three-pointer equalized at 50.

The Swimming Pool Complex was almost full with spectators rooting for their teams. With every basket the hall was filled with the sound of the whistles and applauds.

Takins got back in the match that was dominated by Pazaps for most part of the game. Pazaps maintained a difference of at least 10 points in each quarter with an impressive display of defensive play.

With 29 points and 10 rebounds, His Royal Highness Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuck contributed the maximum points for Pazaps. Takins’ Jamtsho Tshering also contributed 21 points and seven rebounds.

In the other games, defending champions Jachung were humbled 82-87 by the debutant team of RBA. This year two teams, RBA and Crossovers have been promoted to the A-division after winning the B-league last year.

Team Phojas defeated Drukpas 70-63 after a seesaw battle between the two teams. Drukpas who were trailing by some 10 baskets at the end of the third quarter fought back to get back in the game and brought the deficit to just four baskets. However, Phojas won the game after two consecutive three-pointers.

A total of 10 teams are taking part in this year’s A-league tournament that began on February 21.

Younten Tshedup 

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