ISLAMABAD - University of Central Punjab (UCP) became the All Pakistan Inter-Varsity Basketball 2012 champions after beating Lahore University 40-36 in the final at the NUST University Campus here on Sunday.
In the first quarter, both teams from Lahore, tried to gain early advantage but the UCP got 9-7 lead in the first quarter
UCP stamped their authority in the second quarter to boost half way lead at 22-11.
In the third quarter only eight points were scored three by UCP and six by Lahore University. Going into the final quarter with a comfortable 13-point lead, UCP seemed slowed down their game but Lahore University made strong comeback and looked sharp and much active in defence and were at one stage set to turn the tables on UCP but they failed to wipe out UCP's lead and remained unlucky despite some good show in the last quarter and lost to UCP by just four points difference.
Waqas Nazar top-scored for University of Central Punjab with 10 points, while Ashir Gill added nine and Umair Ayub contributed eight baskets. Tayyab of Lahore University's was top contributor with 10 baskets, while Haseeb (8) and Ali (7) also played well.
Earlier in the third place playoff, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU, Multan) edged out Superior University (Lahore) 36-35.
Bahauddin Zakariya University survived a late surge from Superior University to finish third in the tournament.
BZU were comfortably leading 28-20 at the end of the third quarter but Superior University fought back in the last 10 minutes but BZU cling on to their slightest lead and won the playoffs by just one point.
Qaiser was the highest scorer for BZU with a contribution of 14 baskets; Nauman and Shabbir Hussain added 10 and nine baskets respectively. Hassam (11), Adeel Gill (9) and Sana Haider (8) played well for Superior University.
Pakistan Basketball Federation President Asif Bajwa was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony. NUST's Deputy Director Sports Rubina Ansar was also present on the occasion.