South Siders Basketball Club opened their victory account in the Nepal Basketball League edging a lowly Kirtipur Basketball Team 66-59 in a coaching debut for national women’s team captain Sadina Shrestha on Thursday.

Shrestha became the first women’s basketball coach of the country when she fielded Siders in an otherwise a drab game that suddenly turned into its head in the closing moments of the last quarter. Kirtipur were trailing 45-55 heading into the last quarter and they managed to four points with 5:24 remaining in the clock.

Siders went blank for almost six minutes during the period and a three-pointer from captain Suman Maharjan helped Kirtipur make it a one-point game at 59-58 with four minutes remaining. Minesh Shakya’s two-pointer with 3:45 minutes remaining made it 61-48. Maharjan had a chance to make it a one-point game again but missed his second free throw with 2:35 remaining.

Siders gained an upper hand when Sanjay Pun sunk a crucial three-pointer with 1:35 remaining as Kirtipur continued to miss numerous shots including three free throws. Siders had begun the game with a five-point (22-17) lead in the first quarter and stretched it to 14 points taking the second period 20-11.

A young Kirtipur squad bounced back in the third quarter to lead 17-13 but Siders held firm in the final period where Kirtipur rolled in 14 points. Siders netted 11 during the period. Pun was the most valuable player for Siders with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and two turnovers. It was first victory for Siders after losing their first two matches.

Kirtipur, meanwhile, are yet to taste a victory in the eight-team double round robin league tournament losing four matches on the trot. On Friday, Royal Basketball Club will play their first home game to host defending champions Golden Gate International Club in Sanogaun. Unbeaten Royal had won both their first two away games.

Later in Golfutar, Budhanilkantha Municipality Basketball Club will host Times International Club who have so far both their first three matches.