Nagaland’s historic U-23 basketball run ends in hard-fought pre-quarterfinal battle

The Nagaland U-23 basketball team made history by reaching the pre-quarterfinals of the 1st U-23 National Championship, marking the first time the state had advanced this far in a national-level basketball competition.

In a hard-fought pre-quarterfinal match against a formidable Punjab side, the Naga ballers went head-to-head in the first quarter, with Punjab leading 21-18. They displayed remarkable determination and spirit but ultimately fell short, with the final score standing at 51-92. Despite the loss, the team’s performance throughout the tournament was commendable, showcasing significant growth and potential.

Team captain Neisezo Theunuo led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and inspiring his teammates with his leadership on and off the court.

The journey to the pre-quarterfinals was an enriching experience for the team. Competing at the national level exposed the players to higher standards of the game, sharpening their skills and boosting their confidence. The team gained valuable insights from playing against some of the best teams in the country, and this experience is expected to play a vital role in their future development.

The Nagaland Basketball Association expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. “This journey has not only showcased the potential of our players but also highlighted the progress of basketball in Nagaland. Reaching the pre-quarterfinals is a huge step forward,” said an association spokesperson.

MT