Holders Southern Railway launched their campaign in style by cruising to a comfortable 66-34 victory in a women's league match of the Rs 5 lakh prize money 10th Savio Cup All-India Basketball Tournament here today.
The Chennai team encountered a bit of resistance from the Punjab girls initially, but once they got into their rhythm they took total control and opened up a healthy 37-18 half-time lead.
The southern outfit continued to call the shot after the break before closing out the match at the Don Bosco High School court in Matunga.
Raja Priyadarshani scored 18 points for the winners, while Kirandeep Kaur was the most impressive player for Punjab, scoring 20 points.
This was the second successive defeat for the Punjab women, who went down 38-72 to Maharashtra in the opening match.
Strong men's title contenders Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) made a winning start defeating Indian Railways by a convincing 71-46 margin in a Group A encounter.
A Arvind, with 13 points, top-scored for IOB, while Prakash Mishra (10) was the leading scorer for Railways.
Results: Women's league: Maharashtra 72 (Manisha Dange 20) beat Punjab 38 (Simriti 10). Half-time: 44-21; Southern Railway 66 (Raja Priyadharshini 18) beat Punjab 34 (Kirandeep Kaur). Half-time: 37-18.
Men's league: Indian Overseas Bank 71 (A Arvind 13) beat Indian Railways 46 (Prakash Mishra 10). Half-time: 42-22.
