KARACHI: Host Arambagh Club fought tooth and nail to overcome fighting Askari Club 39-36 in a nail-fighting finish to earn a place in semi-final of Ramazan Cup basketball tournament at their home court on Friday night.

Drawn into group B, the winners who shot into 10-4 lead at first quarter, trailed 12-13 at half time in a low scoring match. The last two quarters had many ups and downs but in the end Arambagh turned the tide in their favour. They won third quarter 15-12 and fourth 12-11.

This was Arambagh’s second straight victory. Earlier, they had beaten Malir Club.

Tahir Ahmed scored 10 points while Rehan Patel and Asad Imam finished with eight apiece for winners.

Taha Rasool amassed 11 followed by seven and six by Anas and Bakhtiar respectively for the losers.

Earlier, Bounce Club registered 56-29 victory over Karsaz Club to post second victory in-a-row and advance into last four from group A. Holders Neighbourhood United had already qualified for the semis from the same group.

Mahad Tariq and Mubashir delighted by sharing 28 points amongst themselves while Talha scored nine for winners. Nadeem scored 12 for losers.

In another exciting match played a day earlier, Gulshan Hawks gets the better of Malir Club 40-36 after many fluctuating fortunes.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2014