Himalayan Hounds registered their fifth victory in the Kwiks Basketball League edging South Siders Basketball Club 60-56 in their home match at the Shankar Dev College court on Friday. 

Bijay Burja rolled in three 3-pointers in his 18 points and contributed with seven turnovers as Hounds scripted 15 points in the table after nine matches. They are tied on 15 points with Golden Gate International College (GGIC) and Bishal Milan Kendra (BMK) but stay fourth on score difference. While TAC lead the standings with 21 points from seven matches, GGIC and BMK are second and third respectively. 

In a see-saw battle, Hounds went ahead by one-point (13-12) before stretching it to 

six points with a 20-15 lead in the second period. Another 14-11 lead in the third quarter saw them head into the decider with a nine-point cushion but Siders fought back in the third period and cut the deficit to one point with 51 seconds left. Hounds, however, held firm and converted the free shots they got in the closing stages. 

Siders took the final 18-13 but it was not yet enough. Saurav Shrestha was another major contributor for the home team with 14 points and nine rebounds. He also had five turnovers and three assists. Bijay Khatri netted two 3-pointers in his 11 points, while Subrat Rajopadhyaya and Biplav Malla scored eight points apiece. 

Xavier International College, meanwhile, climbed to sixth from eighth spot after defeating Team Budanilkantha Municipality (TBM) 63-56 for their second win in the tournament. The two teams are tied on six points but Xavier stay ahead on point difference. Siders are at the bottom of the table with three points. 

Ajay Kushwaha was the difference in Xavier’s home match in Kalopul as the forward had 20 points, 17 rebounds and five turnovers. It was TBM who went ahead with a massive 11-point lead in the first quarter scoring 21 to that of 10 of their opponents.

The hosts reduced the deficit to three points taking the second quarter 12-4.

Xavier overturned the lead after the end of third quarter after they scored 24 and restricted TBM to 17 for a four-point cushion into the final period. They sealed 

the victory leading the final quarter 17-14. Anish Magar and Binesh Neupane also chipped in with 10 points each for Xavier. Pushpa Raut dropped in four 3-pointers in his 18 points for TBM. Tejendra Gurung had 11 and Biraj Rana scored 10 for the losing side.

On Saturday, league leaders Armymen will play Hounds at home in Bhadrakali and GGIC will welcome Xavier at their college court in Battisputali. The four teams will enter the playoffs after the double round robin league.