The Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chandigarh witnessed a spectacular basketball showdown on Thursday as Punjab earned their place in the pre-quarterfinals of the 75th Senior National Basketball Championships with a hard-fought 81-74 victory over their neighbors from Chandigarh.

This wasn't just another game—it was a must-win situation for both teams, transforming the match into a virtual knockout round. Despite both squads having faced setbacks in their previous three league fixtures, they showed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit, delivering one of the tournament's most entertaining contests.

The match showcased the beautiful unpredictability of basketball, with lead changes keeping spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the first half. Punjab, last year's runner-up and hungry for redemption, demonstrated why they deserved another chance at glory.

Punjab burst out of the gates with impressive energy, building a commanding 13-4 lead that had their supporters cheering loudly. But Chandigarh refused to be intimidated. Led by the talented Gandham Sai Roshan, they mounted a stunning 11-point run that completely shifted the momentum. Punjab captain Gurwinder Singh responded with leadership and precision, sinking two crucial three-pointers to help his team edge ahead 23-21 after the opening quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Chandigarh, with Sanju Gabhiye and Rohan Roy creating scoring opportunities and giving their team a narrow one-point advantage at halftime. The stage was set for a thrilling second-half battle.

After the break, Arshjot Singh emerged as Punjab's catalyst for victory. His exceptional third-quarter performance—scoring six quick points while creating opportunities for teammates and making crucial defensive steals—sparked an incredible 13-point scoring streak that swung the game decisively in Punjab's favor. Tajinderbir Singh led all Punjab scorers with an impressive 19 points, while both Gurvinder Singh Sandhu and Arshjot Singh contributed 12 points each.

Chandigarh refused to surrender without a fight, with Sanju Gajbhiye leading their effort with 18 points, supported by Aditya and Gandham Sai Roshan with 12 points apiece. Their determination and competitive spirit throughout the contest exemplified the high standards of Indian basketball.

In the final minutes, Punjab demonstrated championship composure, maintaining their nerve under pressure to secure the seven-point victory and their ticket to the knockout stages.

The tournament also featured other exciting results, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh all securing impressive victories in their respective groups. The women's competition saw Tamil Nadu deliver a stunning 118-39 performance against Gujarat, while Karnataka dominated Delhi 88-52.

As the 75th Senior National Basketball Championships continue, Punjab's victory serves as an inspiring reminder that setbacks are temporary, and with teamwork, skill, and determination, any team can rise to the occasion when it matters most. Their journey from three consecutive losses to knockout stage qualification is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief.