01 February,2011 08:27 AM IST | | Correspondent
Indian Railways had a battle on their hands to tackle and overcome the robust and physical play of their stronger rivals from USA, Shooting for Success, and the National champions rose to the challenge with aplomb, absorbing the pressure and outplaying the Americans when it mattered to emerge deserving 91-79 winners in men's final of the Savio Cup All-India Basketball Tournament, hosted by Don Bosco, Matunga on Sunday.
Shooting For Success, who made the final with an all-win record, were taken aback by the aggressive response from Railways, led by captain Vishesh Braghuvanshi, who inspired his teammates with his intensity and accurate shooting. He was easily the best player of the final, finishing with a top score of 33 points, with Sardar Yadwinder Singh scoring 20 points and Gagandeep Singh chipping in with 16. Braghuvanshi's consistent showing in the tournament won him the Best Player award.
Earlier, Geethu Anna Jose powered her Southern Railway side to an emphatic 76-66 win over defending champions Chattisgarh in the women's final.
Her 29 points made the difference in the final analysis, helping her team pull clear whenever Chattisgarh, driven by Pushpa M and captain Anju Lakra closed in. Pushpa was on target with her shooting finishing with 27 points, while Anju chipped in with 20.
Chattisgarh's Anju Lakra was adjudged the best female player of the tournament.
