Kerala women entered into the final of Senior National Basketball Championship with a thrilling 69-62 win over Delhi at Bhavnagar in Gujarat on Saturday.

Captain Sreekala R top-scored with 25 points as Kerala raised their game in the final quarter. Kerala had been the better side initially, leading 17-11 at the end of the first quarter and 35-27 at half-time. But Delhi, inspired by Garima Gosain, produced a stellar comeback. Delhi levelled the tie at 38 points before a Garima three-pointer put them in the lead for the first time (49-48) at the end of the third quarter.

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Delhi managed to stretch their lead, at 56-52, before Kerala found their way back in. Sreekala hit a three to put Kerala back in front at 59-56. The game was still in a balance, but Kerala maintained the lead with smart time management and disciplined defence.

Susan Florentina impressed with 12 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks, while Swapna Merin Jiju hit 12 points and accumulated as many number of rebounds. For Delhi, Garima and Simran Kaur scored 17 and 15 points respectively.

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Kerala await the winners of Tamil Nadu and Indian Railways in the title match. If Kerala triumph, it would be the first senior national title for the state in the New Year.

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