Karnataka’s men and women basketball teams delivered commanding performances on Saturday to secure semifinal berths at the National Under-23 Basketball Championships, held at the Sarusajai Indoor Stadium in Guwahati. Both teams overcame tough competition and displayed high-caliber teamwork and individual brilliance to keep their title hopes alive.
Karnataka Men Edge Past Madhya Pradesh in Tight Contest
In a closely contested quarterfinal, the Karnataka men’s team edged out Madhya Pradesh 81-73. Guard Manoj B.M. led the scoring charge with 23 points, showing both composure and aggression throughout the match. He orchestrated the offense efficiently, driving into the paint with ease and finishing strong at the rim.
Gautham P.K. backed him up with 22 points, showcasing excellent perimeter shooting and quick decision-making. Aswiji Vashist contributed 16 crucial points and helped control the tempo during key moments in the second half. Karnataka relied on fast-paced ball movement and smart rotations to break down Madhya Pradesh’s defense.
Despite a strong challenge from Madhya Pradesh, particularly from Hemant Naik (19 points) and Rakesh Sharma (17 points), Karnataka never lost momentum. Madhya Pradesh attempted a late comeback in the final quarter, but Karnataka’s defensive intensity closed the door.
“We played as a unit. Everyone knew their roles, and we executed the game plan well,” said Gautham after the match. “Now, we shift our focus to the semifinals and aim to go all the way.”
Karnataka Women Survive Maharashtra’s Comeback Attempt
Karnataka’s women’s team faced a tougher test from Maharashtra in a nail-biting quarterfinal clash. With just a two-point margin, Karnataka managed to clinch the game 71-69. Forward Sathya K. led from the front with 21 points, combining inside drives with mid-range jumpers to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Mekhala Gowda delivered 19 points and dominated the defensive glass. Her rebounding proved vital in limiting Maharashtra’s second-chance points. Karnataka maintained a slim lead for most of the game, but Maharashtra, led by Siya Dheidhar’s 18 points, refused to go away.
In the closing minutes, Karnataka made key defensive stops and converted free throws under pressure to secure the win. The final buzzer brought relief and celebration as Karnataka moved one step closer to the title.
“This was a high-pressure game, and the girls showed grit and mental strength,” said the Karnataka women’s coach. “Now we need to recover and prepare for a strong semifinal opponent.”
Rajasthan Men Outclass Kerala
In another men’s quarterfinal, Rajasthan overpowered Kerala with an 86-61 win. Akshit Hooda put on a scoring clinic, dropping 21 points with precision shooting and aggressive drives. Lokesh Kumar Sharma added 17 points while Ayush Choudhary contributed 16, as Rajasthan maintained control from start to finish.
Jerome Prince scored 21 for Kerala, and Prithin Murali added 17, but they couldn’t break through Rajasthan’s disciplined zone defense. Rajasthan dominated the boards and limited Kerala’s transition play effectively.
Haryana Men Show Firepower Against Tamil Nadu
Haryana booked their semifinal ticket by defeating Tamil Nadu 92-79. Rahul led all scorers with 22 points, attacking the rim relentlessly. Rajan supported him with 19 points, and together they dismantled Tamil Nadu’s defense.
Tamil Nadu tried to keep pace, with Ajay scoring 19 and Vijaykumar S. adding 16, but they couldn’t match Haryana’s intensity in the final stretch. Haryana’s bench also contributed key minutes, maintaining the lead in crucial phases of the game.
Kerala Women Cruise Past Chandigarh
Kerala’s women’s team delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament, dismantling Chandigarh 79-21. Akshaya Philip led all scorers with 20 points, attacking the rim at will. Kerala’s full-court press forced multiple turnovers, and they capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
Chandigarh struggled to find rhythm, and Kerala’s relentless defense ensured a blowout victory. The performance reinforced Kerala’s reputation as a top contender in the women’s bracket.
Delhi Women Down Chhattisgarh with Balanced Offense
Delhi showcased strong offensive coordination and defeated Chhattisgarh 73-61. Rashi Kotan led with 23 points, combining three-point shooting with smooth drives to the basket. Krithika Dhingra chipped in 17 points, helping Delhi maintain their lead through all four quarters.
Chhattisgarh showed resilience, with Urvashi D. scoring 13 points, but Delhi’s offensive rhythm proved too consistent. They now move into the semifinals with momentum on their side.
Tamil Nadu Women Flatten Uttar Pradesh
Tamil Nadu’s women’s team dominated Uttar Pradesh 92-37 in a one-sided affair. Krithika Suresh Babu and Harima Sundari each scored 16 points, leading a balanced offensive attack. Tamil Nadu played aggressive defense from the tip-off, creating fast breaks and scoring with ease.
Uttar Pradesh found it difficult to counter Tamil Nadu’s athleticism and ball movement. The Tamil Nadu team showed great depth, as several bench players made solid contributions in the second half.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
With the quarterfinals now complete, the semifinals promise thrilling matchups. Karnataka’s men and women have entered the next stage with confidence and form, while teams like Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi will look to spoil their party.
Each semifinalist has displayed unique strengths—whether it’s Kerala’s suffocating defense, Haryana’s high-scoring backcourt, or Delhi’s well-rounded women’s team. The Sarusajai Indoor Stadium will witness intense battles as teams fight for a place in the final and a shot at national glory.
Karnataka’s dual qualification reflects the state’s continued investment in basketball and talent development. Their young stars have risen to the occasion, and both teams now stand just one game away from the championship round.
Basketball fans can expect fierce contests, emotional moments, and top-tier talent in the semifinal round of the National Under-23 Championships.
