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DEFENDING champion Kings banked on rookies Ajeet Singh and Vladimir
Singh to beat the Bombay Bombers, 76-71, in the 2008 Filipino-Indian
Basketball League (FIBL) which kicked off on April 20 at The Arena
in San Juan.
Ajeet had 23 points and nine rebounds but it was
Vladimir’s two crucial interceptions in the dying seconds which
sealed the victory for the Kings.
Vladimir, who finished with 11 points and a
game-high 16 rebounds, earned the game’s best player honor.
“We executed well down the stretch, we played
solid defense and we did the little things. That’s why we won this
game,” said Kings coach Mike Advani.
Earlier, reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year
Manoj Chandumal sizzled with 32 points, including 22 in the first
half, as the Blue Sharks beat the Knights, 89-80.
Chandumal, who used to play for the Kings, also
had four rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
FIBL Commissioner Dilip Budhrani was elated with
the big crowd and the presence of Indian Ambassador Rajeet Mitter,
Indian Chamber of Commerce President Ram Sitaldas and the Indian
Navy officers and brass band during the opening ceremony.
The tournament is supported by Hello Baby, Indra
Garments, Sehwani Manpower, Multi-Sphere Trading, Orogem, MB
Garments, Cotton Stuff, Kashmir, Mossimo, Indian Chamber, Cooper
Jugs and Canadian Beddings.
First Game
BLUE SHARKS 89 – Chandumal 32, P. Brar 17,
Budhrani 13, M. Mirpuri 11, Chotrani 7, Dargani 3, R. Chulani 2, S.
Chulani 2, Balani 2.
KNIGHTS 80 – M. Mohnani 39, Chandnani 14,
Dargani 10, Mirchandani 6, D. Mohnani 5, Assnani 4, Budhrani 2.
Quarters: 26-17, 43-41, 68-61, 89-80
Second Game
KINGS 76 – A. Singh 23, Rajesh Chandumal 13,
V. Singh 11, Rakesh Chandumal 10, Gangwani 7, Mahibubani 4, S.
Karamchandani 3, Mirpuri 2, Chotrani 2. S. Chandumal 1.
BOMBAY BOMBERS 71 – Gurnamal 23, Mirpuri 17,
Murjani 10, Chulani 9, A. Daryanani 5, Jiandani 3, Sahijwani 3,
Pessumal 1.
Quarters: 11-17, 35-30, 55-51, 76-71
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