The Nagaland men’s and women’s basketball teams showed grit and determination as they battled through tough opening losses at the 1st U-23 National Basketball Championship, currently taking place in Guwahati, Assam.
In their tournament opener on Tuesday, the Nagaland men’s squad struggled against a dominant Karnataka team, suffering a 39-102 defeat. The women’s team also put up a fight but couldn’t match Maharashtra’s firepower, falling 12-65.
However, the men’s team responded in style in their second league matchup, delivering a statement win over a higher-ranked Chhattisgarh side with an emphatic 88-60 victory. Captain Neiisezo Theiinui led from the front, dropping 26 points in a commanding performance, while the towering Benhilo added 15 points to help seal the win.
On the women’s side, Nagaland continued to battle but fell short against Meghalaya, losing 14-53. Barbara was a bright spot, leading the team with 8 points despite the tough contest.
The men’s squad now gears up for a crucial showdown against Arunachal Pradesh, with a pre-quarterfinal berth on the line.
“Both teams are dedicated to enhancing their performance as they continue in the tournament,” the Nagaland Basketball Association stated, expressing pride in the players’ efforts and optimism for their progress.