Basketball fans at Chennai's Nehru Indoor Stadium witnessed something truly special on Friday as A. Anantharaj delivered a career-defining performance that propelled Tamil Nadu to an impressive 87-57 victory over Kerala in the quarterfinals of the 75th senior National basketball championship.

The 29-year-old athlete became the undisputed hero of the match, showcasing exceptional shooting skills by converting six out of nine three-point attempts and finishing with a remarkable 24 points. His most spectacular moment came during a breathtaking burst in the final three minutes of the third quarter, when he single-handedly transformed what had been a nail-bitingly close contest into a commanding lead for his team.

The first half of the game delivered edge-of-your-seat excitement as both teams traded the lead multiple times. Kerala, led by the talented A.S. Sharath who scored 17 points, kept the pressure on throughout the opening quarters. The intensity was palpable as the first quarter ended in a perfect 15-15 tie, with Tamil Nadu holding just a two-point advantage at halftime, 36-34.

After the break, Tamil Nadu found their rhythm and shifted into high gear. Anantharaj caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 13 points including three magnificent three-pointers that left the crowd roaring with excitement. The reigning champions went on an incredible 18-point run during the final two quarters, building a commanding 24-point lead in just five minutes and securing their place in the semifinals.

The day's basketball action delivered more thrilling moments beyond Tamil Nadu's victory. Delhi showcased resilience and teamwork in edging Karnataka 80-73 in another gripping quarterfinal matchup. The contest featured stellar performances from Jeethandar Singh and Ayush Sharma for Delhi, while Karnataka's Sumanth Satyanarayan impressed with his skillful driving lay-ups and three-pointers, narrowing what had been a 15-point deficit to just six points before Delhi sealed the win.

Uttar Pradesh demonstrated their championship mettle with a hard-fought 93-90 victory over Rajasthan, with Harsh Dagar leading the charge with 30 points. Railways also advanced confidently with an 82-53 win over Telangana, showing the depth of talent across the tournament.

The Bright Side: This championship isn't just about one spectacular player or one exciting game. It represents the thriving state of basketball across India, with athletes from multiple states showcasing world-class talent and determination. The close contests and passionate performances demonstrate how the sport continues to grow and inspire young athletes nationwide. Events like these create heroes like Anantharaj while providing platforms for emerging talents to shine, ensuring a bright future for Indian basketball. The tournament continues to unite communities and create unforgettable moments that inspire the next generation of players dreaming of their own championship glory.