New Indian Model School (NIMS) Sharjah ended their long wait for the Under-13 NIMS Mini Basketball title as the hosts dethroned defending champions Indian High School Dubai.
The 68-44 victory was the first time NIMS got their hands on the trophy after a five-year gap.
Given the significance of the game, the champions were not short of home support with hundreds of pupils flocking to the school’s sports arena.
Buoyed by that vibrant atmosphere, it was Indian High who had the advantage in the first quarter.
Anlin Joy scored 10 points as the visitors led 13-12.
But NIMS fought back as Nabeel Nazar began to find his rhythm with 15 points in the second.
In the driving seat with a 29-11 lead, NIMS built on their momentum and inspired by skipper Muh-ammed Sinan, kept on adding to their tally.
With the scoreline reading 43-32 at the end of the third quarter, Indian High tried their best to get back into the game but NIMS were always one step ahead.
Despite Indian High adding 12 points, they were outscored with NIMS scoring 23 as they finally prevailed by 68-44.
Sinan top-scored for the champions with 29, followed by Nazar who contributed with 26, while Joy topped for Indian High with 29.