Gritty play sees Punjab Steelers through to semi-finals over Delhi Capitals in the North Division play-in game

The North Division play-in game saw a spirited battle between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Steelers as Crockrell’s 50 points led Punjab over Delhi for a place in the semi-finals. This marked the final day of the UBA Season 4 matches in Chennai, as the semi-final matches would be played out in Goa from 10th March at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium.

Punjab started with a lineup of Dermaine Crockrell , Garry Gill , Akilan Pari, Kaushal and Rajveer Singh. Delhi's starring five included Ronald March, Vinay Kaushik, Anil, Ajay Pratap and Smithin Settu.

Delhi started off with a layup from Ronald March, presenting an ominous sign for Punjab if he heated up. Garry opened up the scoring for Punjab with two quick buckets up close, and Crockrell was quick to hit a three pointer and follow it with a slam dunk on the break as Punjab took a 9-2 lead. Crockrell spent most of his time up in the air as he had a couple of thunderous dunks and a huge block in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Punjab led Delhi 25-15. Ajay had to sit out the rest of the game with a leg injury.

March started the second quarter by converting on an and-one play, Kaushal answered back with a bank shot. Delhi got a couple on the break and Bek converted on a three point attempt to bring them within 30-23. Delhi mounted a spirited charge as they cut into Punjab’s lead. At halftime, Punjab was up 46-44.

Ronald March twisted his ankle on the first play of the second half and had to sit out for most of the quarter. Amjyot stepped up in his absence and put the pressure on Punjab as he powered his way to the lane for multiple conversions. At the end of the third quarter, Punjab held on to a slim 71-69 lead over Delhi.

To start the fourth, Bryant and Anil exchanged threes as Punjab found themselves holding on to a 78-72 lead with 8 minutes left in the game.

Amjyot’s inspired play helped Delhi trim the lead as the game came right down to the final minutes with Punjab holding on to an 89-87 lead with 2:09 left in the game. Rajveer hit a clutch three for Punjab to extend their lead, Crockrell added two from the line and Gill flew for a dunk to extend Punjab’s lead to 96-87 as they held on to a 102-92 win for a place in the semi-finals in Goa.

Players of the Game: Dermaine Crockrell (International), Irakoze Bryan (Indian)

Punjab Steelers (Dermaine Crockrell 50 pts, Rajveer Singh 13 pts, Garry Gill 11 pts) bt 102-92 Delhi Capitals (Amjyot Singh Gill 34 pts, Ronald March 19 pts, Vinay Kaushik 14 pts)