Supported by the rest of the younger players, which made up the team, Sportspower were a strong opponent for Maharashtra at the Don Bosco school courts here in Matunga.
Grant, 7-ft tall, who has represented Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks, along with 6 ft 8 inches tall Anthony Bonner, who turned out for NY Knicks and Orlando Magic and the 6 ft 4 inches tall Jim Bartalotta, who played for Sacramento Kings, stole the limelight with a barrage of baskets.
The US team jumped to a 31-11 lead in the first quarter, which extended to 49-19 at half time, by which time they had conceded the field to their lesser fancied teammates.
Maharashtra fought back when the former NBA players were on the bench, matching the US side 25-25 in the third quarter and 12-13 in the last to finish with a respectable score.
Terrance Thomas, who stands 6 foot 7 inches tall and plays for Baylor University, emerged top scorer for Sportspower with 24 points, while Bonner contributed 16 and Lutlier Glover 14.
For Maharashtra, captain Siddhanth Shinde scored 13 and Arafat Shaikh 11.
The state men then went down to defending champions ONGC, who thrashed them 69-98 after leading 58-38 at half time.
For ONGC, Vishesh Braghuvanshi scored 21, while Amritpal Singh and Yadwinder contributed 18 and 16, respectively.
Results: Men: ONGC 98 (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 21, Amritpal Singh 18, Yadwinder Singh 16) bt Maharashtra 69 (Siddhant Shinde 23, Akshay Bhosle 19). Half Time: 58-38. Quarter wise score: 25-19, 33-19, 20-22, 20-9.
Sportspower USA 86 (Terrance Thomas 29, Anthony Bonner 16, Lutlier Glover 14) bt Maharashtra 57 (Siddhant Shinde 13, Arafat Shaikh 11). Half Time: 49-19. Quarter wise score: 12-31, 7-18, 25-25, 13-12.
