Delhi Capitals narrowly hold off a desperate Haryana Gold to win 107-99

The Delhi capitals handed the Haryana Gold their third loss of the season as they withstood Haryana’s late game charge to win 107-99.
De’Sean Mattox added an early three for Haryana. He started off strong as he scored 8 points in the opening period. For Delhi, Arshdeep Singh was quick to answer with a beautiful post move and teammates Vinay Kaushik were quick to add two in the open floor and Ronald March sank his first three in a sign of things to come as he would finish 5 of 9 from three point range. Yadwinder Singh of Haryana started with a powerful drive leading to a fadeaway jumper. At the end of the first quarter, Delhi Capitals led Haryana Gold 34-21. Haryana were led by De’Sean Mattox who had 8 points in the first quarter. Delhi was powered by Ronald March’s 12 points in the opening period.

Yadwinder Singh seemed determined to not let Haryana go down 0-3 as he played with relentless energy on both ends, knocking shots from downtown and inside. Ronald March imposed his will on offense as he heated up from outside and inside. At the end of the first half, the Delhi Capitals had extended their lead to 49-37. They were led by Ronald March, who had 20 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists at the half. For Haryana, veteran Yadwinder Singh had 11 points and 5 rebounds at the half.

To start the third, Amjyot dished a behind-the-back pass to March for a thunderous slam. Yadwinder answered by banking in a turnaround jumper from close. De’Sean Mattox found his touch with a long jumper followed by a strong move inside sending him to the line. He willed himself to the rim again for a layup.

Himanshu Sharma dropped in a difficult look off the glass to bring the Haryana Gold to within 59-48. At the end of the third quarter, the Delhi Capitals led the Haryana Gold 74-63. UBA Season 2 MVP Vinay Kaushik came alive in this contest with 26 points in three quarters alone. Amjyot Singh was relatively quiet in this one, but he impacted the action on both ends with his hustle.

The fourth quarter saw Amjyot Singh score his first field goal of the game on a hook shot inside. Eban Hyams came out with a purpose as he dropped a three and got to the rim in the open floor. He was quick to drop another three to bring Haryana within 80-71, but Ronald March answered with three of his own. Amjyot Singh fouled out at this point with four points. Taking advantage of the void inside, Jaskaran was quick to score his 14th point. Eban powered Haryana to within 88-94 with a tip inside in the final two minutes and free throws by De’Sean Mattox cut Delhi’s lead to 97-93. They would not get closer as Delhi managed to pull away to win a hard-fought contest.

Players of the game: Ronald March (International), Vinay Kaushik (Indian)

Delhi Capitals (Ronald March 41 pts, Vinay Kaushik 30 pts, Arshdeep Singh 11 pts) bt Haryana Gold 107-99 (De’Sean Mattox 36 pts, Eban Hyams 16 pts, Yadwinder Singh 16 pts)