The final day of the league stage in the second season of the UBA Pro League began with last season’s finalists, Pune Peshwas, defeating defending champions Chennai Slam 77-74 in a battle for first place in the Southern Division.
Well aware that the top spot would ensure a direct entry into the semifinals, both teams came out with intent in the virtual playoff.
Centre Ravi Kumar was back in the starting lineup for the Peshwas alongside centre-forward Gaurav Ohlan. Pune also started with a three-guard lineup with Ajinkya Mane, Siddhanth Shinde and Narender Grewal. Chennai stuck to their usual starting five, which has resulted in four wins from six games this season.
Playing aggressively, Chennai went up by 10 points at the end of the first quarter and rode their momentum in the second. Pune found it difficult to handle Chennai’s hoopsters, and the Slam ended the second quarter 42-29.
Pune shook off their inertia, and hit back hard in the third quarter, and took a six-point lead at 57-51. Continuing in the same vein, the Peshwas closed out a 77-74 victory.
