Akbar Brothers crowned basketball champions

The champion Akbar Brothers team comprising Dimitri Grebe (captain), Dasun Mendis, Chenura De Alwis, Randil Henry, Taher Akbarally, Selvam Savarimuttu, Franklyn Morais, Sanketha Jayarathne, Jeewan Priyankera and Praneeth Udumalagala pose for a ceremonial picture with the trophy

Akbar Brothers delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch the ‘A’ Division title at the 33rd MSBA League Basketball tournament, dethroning defending champions Fairfirst Insurance 70–60 in a thrilling final last Friday.

Despite a group stage loss to Fairfirst, a revitalised Akbar Brothers team returned for the final with renewed focus, executing a strategic and disciplined game plan with some excellent passing and defence. 

They came in with all guns blazing right from the outset and the first quarter was all Akbar’s that stacked up a 13 to 4 lead.  Fairfirst mounted a strong challenge in the second quarter, narrowing the margin, but Akbar’s momentum secured a 35–28 lead at halftime, a margin they maintained with composure through to the final whistle. 

Dasun Mendis led the charge for Akbar Brothers with 18 points and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Chenura de Alwis added 17 points to the tally, while Shehan Udayanga posted a valiant 22 points for Fairfirst. 

Dimitri Grebe anchored Akbar Brothers with strong leadership, with Hiran Wijesooriya captaining Fairfirst.

Earlier in the tournament Akbar Brothers beat Sampath Bank (82-71), Seylan Bank (91-68) David Pieris (110-78) and Seylan Bank in the semifinal (83-60)

The final, held at the Royal College Indoor Sports Complex, had a vibrant turnout of supporters as Akbar Brothers proved their championship mettle with teamwork, resilience and clinical execution.

The champion Akbar Brothers team comprised Dimitri Grebe (captain), Dasun Mendis, Chenura De Alwis, Randil Henry, Taher Akbarally, Selvam Savarimuttu, Franklyn Morais, Sanketha Jayarathne, Jeewan Priyankara and Praneeth Udumalagala who were coached by Ajith Kuruppu (coach) with Adrian Gabriel as his assistant.

Fairfirst Insurance had players in the mould of Hiran Wijesooriya (captain), Shehan Udayanga , Lakshan Kulathunga, Roshan Randima, Arnold Brent, Isuru Perera, Denzil Nicholas, Nimesh Fernando, Keshawa Perera and Charaka Anuhas with Asanga Perera as coach.