National champions Chhattisgarh maintained their winning momentum with an impressive 72-45 verdict against Punjab in a women's league match of the 10th Savio Cup All-India Basketball Tournament here today.
Once again, Saranjeet Kaur played a key role, chipping in with 18 points to seal Chhattisgarh's win - their second on the trot - in the Rs 5 lakh prize fund tournament being played at the Don Bosco High School, Matunga.
Playing a good supporting was Pushpa Kindo, who contributed 12 points. For Punjab, the top scorer was Kirandeep Kaur with 19 points.
The Chhattisgarh girls, who had defeated Maharashtra 66-64 in a closely fought encounter last night, are now virtually assured of a place in Sunday's final with a game in hand against defending champions Southern Railway.
Punjab have lost all their three games and are out of the competition.
In the men's section, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Chennai, outplayed Services 84-41 after enjoying a 49-32 half-time lead in a Group A league match.
By virtue of this win, their second, the Chennai bankmen are through to the semi-finals from this group.
Results: Women's league: Chhattisgarh 72 (Saranjeet Kaur 18, Pushpa Kindo 12) beat Punjab 45 (Kirandeep Kaur 19, Simirit 9). Half-time: 38-24.
Chhattisgarh 66 (Saranjeet Kaur 18, Poonam Chaturvedi 13) beat Maharashtra 64 (Manisha Dange 18, Shruti Menon12). Half-time: 39-38.
Men's league (Group A): Indian Overseas Bank 84 (Abhilek Paul 17, A. Arvind 16) beat Services 41 (Narender Grewal 15). Half-time 49-32.
