Tribhuvan Army Club stretched their winning run to five games with a 98-90 victory over Royal Basketball Club in a high-scoring match on Tuesday.

Ram Krishna Ghatane was the major architect in Army victory scoring 26 points — all two-pointers — and 19 rebounds. Army remained in heels of fellow title contenders Times with 10 points following five consecutive victories in first five. Times, the only other unbeaten side in the tournament, also have 10 points from five games. Royal had won their first two matches but now have lost two in a row.

A strong display in the first quarter was enough for Army to lay the foundation for victory as they scored 27 points when Royal could manage just 12. The 15-point lead remained intact after both teams were tied on 22 points in the second quarter. Royal managed to cut the deficit to 11 points netting 29 to that of 25 from Army.

A comeback was still possible for Royal but young duo Nischal Maharjan and Ayush Singh combined for five three -pointers for Army in the final quarter which Royal led 27-24. Singh sunk seven 3-pointers in his 23 points and Maharjan netted five in his 18. Robin Khatri also scored 15 points and made 12 assists for Army.

In the day’s late matches, Budhanilkantha Municipality Basketball Club stunned hosts South Siders Basketball Club at their home for second win. National team player Saurav Shrestha inspired Budhanilkantha to a 76-66 victory with 21 points, three assists and nine rebounds. Siders have just one win from their first five matches.

Budhanilkantha won the match in the last two quarters with Siders wilting under pressure one more time. The two teams began with 18 points in the first quarter. Budhanilkantha took a slim two-point (18-16) lead in the second quarter and stretched it to eight points scoring 23 to that of 17 from Siders in the third quarter.

They took the final quarter 17-15 for second win five matches. Skipper Biraj Rana also scored 21 points for Budhanilkantha with five assists. Minesh Shakya was the top scorer rolling in 22 points. Subrat Rajopadhyaya had 12 rebounds for Siders.

On Wednesday, Nepal Police Club, three international recruits from Bangladesh national team, will be seeking their third victory playing at home to Kirtipur Basketball Club who are winless in five matches. In what could be a high-voltage match, Army will play away to Times in Charkhal.