Champions Hi-Tech are in the final
TIEW PAI NGARM’S Chaiwat Kaedam, right, vies with Bangkok Bank’s Pratya Kruathiwa.
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Reigning champions Hi-Tech reached the final for the second straight year, defeating the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) 79-69 in the semi-finals of the King's Cup Division A Basketball Championship at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium yesterday.
Hi-Tech were surprised by PEA, who put up a brilliant performance to take a 21-18 lead in the first quarter. The champions cleverly changed their tactics and tried to score from the three-point line. It helped as they took a runaway 60-58 lead at the end of the third quarter. Trailing by eight points with 3.35 minutes remaining, PEA tried to fight back with fast breaks but had to eat humble pie and a third place play-off match. Sophon Pinijpatcharalert scored 23 points for Hi-Tech. Elsewhere, Tiew Pai Ngarm and Bangkok Bank traded points through most of the first half. Jakkrapan Pongpantarak scored two straight three-pointers to give the bankmen a 34-31 lead. Stung, Tiew Pai Ngarm played aggressively and Mana Janthuma's two points from the foul line gave his team a 61-60 lead for the first time. Tiew Pai Ngarm and their rivals went for broke until the end. Chainarong Suntareeyapas converted two free throws to help his team to a 79-74 victory over the bankmen. Tiew Pai Ngarm's Jakkrapan top scored with 15 points. In the women's division, experienced Bangkok Bank A tamed their younger team-mates Bangkok Bank B 111-65 to advance to today's final. Nantana Chareonrat top scored with 16 points. Somporn Suphop, Alitta Tangrungruengkit The Nation
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