Punjab kept their campaign alive at the 75th Senior National Basketball Championship with a crucial 81–74 victory over Chandigarh in a do-or-die men’s league encounter at the Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday, sealing the final spot in the pre-quarterfinals.
With both teams having lost their first three matches, the contest effectively became a knockout, and Punjab showed greater composure in decisive moments to progress. The stakes were evident from the opening tip. Punjab, last year’s runners-up, began with urgency and intent, racing to a 13–4 lead as they attacked the paint aggressively and forced turnovers. Chandigarh, however, responded through Gandham Sai Roshan, whose energy and scoring sparked an 11-point run that brought his side right back into the contest. The early exchanges set the tone for what would be a tightly contested first half.
Punjab captain Gurwinder Singh played a crucial role in steadying his team during this phase. His two timely three-pointers in the closing minutes of the first quarter helped Punjab regain control and edge ahead 23–21, ensuring they went into the first break with a slender advantage despite Chandigarh’s mid-quarter surge.
The second quarter belonged to Chandigarh, who looked sharper in execution and movement off the ball. Sanju Gajbhiye and Rohan Roy found space in transition and made better use of their scoring opportunities, allowing Chandigarh to briefly take the lead. Punjab, meanwhile, struggled to convert from the perimeter and relied heavily on individual efforts to stay in touch. At halftime, Chandigarh held a narrow one-point advantage, setting up an intriguing second half with everything to play for.
The turning point came soon after the interval. Punjab emerged with renewed intensity, driven by Arshjot Singh’s all-round impact. The forward made an immediate impression, scoring six quick points while also disrupting Chandigarh’s rhythm with steals and smart defensive reads. His efforts ignited a decisive 13-point run that swung momentum firmly in Punjab’s favour and gave them breathing space on the scoreboard.
Tajinderbir Singh, Punjab’s leading scorer on the night with 19 points, complemented Arshjot’s burst with calm finishing and intelligent shot selection. Punjab’s offence began to flow, with better ball movement and improved spacing allowing them to capitalise on Chandigarh’s defensive lapses. At the same time, their defence tightened, limiting easy looks and forcing hurried attempts from the opposition.
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Chandigarh showed commendable resolve in the final quarter, refusing to let the game slip away without a fight. Sanju Gajbhiye continued to attack the basket, while Aditya and Roshan chipped in with timely scores to reduce the deficit. Each time Chandigarh threatened to close the gap, however, Punjab responded with crucial baskets or stops, underlining their experience in high-pressure situations.
In the closing minutes, Punjab managed the clock effectively, converting free throws and making smart decisions to keep Chandigarh at arm’s length. The final scoreline of 81–74 reflected Punjab’s control in the latter stages and their ability to rise to the occasion when elimination loomed.
Elsewhere in the men’s section, Tamil Nadu delivered a dominant 103–61 win over Services, with Baladhaneshwar Poiyamozhi leading the charge with 25 points. Rajasthan edged Gujarat 83–75 behind a stellar 31-point performance from Mohammed Ishan, while Uttar Pradesh claimed a narrow 80–77 victory over Delhi in a closely fought Group B encounter.
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The women’s competition also produced notable results. Maharashtra secured a 79–68 win over Chhattisgarh in Group A, with Ankita Kumari, Reva Kulkarni and Siya Seodhar all contributing 15 points. Karnataka registered a comprehensive 88–52 victory over Delhi, powered by Sruthi Arvind’s 26-point outing. In Group B, Madhya Pradesh beat West Bengal 62–47, while Tamil Nadu dominated Gujarat 118–39 in a one-sided contest.
For Punjab, Thursday’s win keeps their title hopes alive and reinforces their pedigree at the national level. With momentum now on their side, they will look to build on this performance as the championship moves into the knockout phase, where the margins grow finer and the pressure only intensifies.
