Times International College earned a third consecutive victory but not before going through a stern test from Budhanilkantha Municipality Basketball Club in the Nepal Basketball League on Friday.

Playing away to Budhanlikantha in Golfutar, national team skipper Sadhish Pradhan-led Times defeated the hosts 82-66 to win their first three matches of the league. Budhanilkantha, meanwhile, have lost three out of their first four. Although the final scorelines suggest otherwise, it was Budhanlikantha who made life difficult for their opponents on the back of a roaring home supporters before Times raced away in the final three minutes. Captain Biraj Rana rolled in two consecutive two-pointers to make it a four-point game at 67-63 with 4:33 remaining.

Bikram Joshi converted both free throws to get back the six-point lead with 3:55 remaining as Times continued to dominate with their offensive and defensive play. Joshua Sherchan scored seven points for Times but was adjudged man-of-the-match for making an overall impact in the game with 15 assists, four steals and three turnovers.

It was Budhanilkantha who gained an upper hand in the game with a three-point (20-17) lead in the first quarter. Times hit back hard in the second period scoring a whopping 32 to that of 13 from Budhanilkantha to gain a 16-point lead. The hosts cut back the lead to seven points leading the third quarter 22-13 with the game still alive.

At one point it looked like Budhanilkantha were set for an upset win but Times made the most of their experienced squad leading 20-11.

Golden Gate International Club inflicted first defeat on Royal Basketball Club who lost their first match at home 105-100 in a high-scoring contest against the defending champions in Sanogaun that saw the game decided in the Over Time. Bikram Dangol netted 23 points for Golden Gate and starred with six assists, four rebounds and three turnovers.

Both teams were tied on 94 points after at full time and Golden Gate scored 11 points in the Over Time when Royal could only add six. Royal now have two wins in three matches and Golden Gate have two victories out of two having lost their tournament opener to Tribhuvan Army Club.

An evenly fought contest saw both teams scoring 26 points in the first quarter and Royal went two points ahead leading the second period 26-24. Golden Gate made it a one-point game heading in the final period leading the third 18-17 and they netted 26 to that of 25 from Royal to tie the game.