RAIPUR, India (Federation Cup) - Western Railway cruised past ONGC 71-48 and Indian Overseas Bank (Chennai) edged out Indian Army 59-58 in the semi-finals of the men’s section in the 25th IMG-Reliance Federation Cup National Championship.

On the women’s side, Southern Railway plast Delhi 71-65 and hosts Chattisgarh routed fancied Kerala 72-53.

The two finals will take place on Tuesday.

In a game featuring two of India’s best men’s clubs, two-time holding champions ONGC matched Railways through the first quarter and a half. As the game wore on though, ONGC struggled to keep up their energy level against a fast-paced Railways side that extended their lead and completely dominated the second half of the game.

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi had 27 in the winning effort and Gagandeep Singh added 16. Murali Krishna was the high-man for ONGC with 17.
 
In a highly-anticipated women’s match-up, undefeated Southern Railway started very well against Delhi, thanks to some stifling defense. The latter crept back into the game in the second half with Prashanti Singh breaking out of a shooting slump to help her team mount a furious fourth quarter comeback. However, Railway re-established their defensive intensity with Geethu Anna Jose controlling the boards. She also did her part on the offensive end, leading her team with 19 points. Prashanti Singh had 27 in the losing effort.

In the second women's semi-final, the unstoppable home team of Chhattisgarh - who had blown out the opposition to reach this stage of the competition - continued their good run of form against Kerala. The host's deadly duo of Pushpa M. and Anju Lakra once again controlled the game, scoring 18 and 16 points respectively. Bharti Netam paced Chhattisgarh with a team-high 22.

IOB Chennai beat Indian Army in the men's second semi-final, the last game on Monday, with Abhilek Paul and Hareesh Koroth combining for 28 points.

25th IMG-Reliance Federation Cup National Championship

Semi-finals
Men: Western Railway 71 (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 27, Gagandeep Singh 16, Arjun Singh 14) bt ONGC 48 (Murali Krishna 17); IOB Chennai 59 (Abhilek Paul 14, Hareesh Koroth 14) bt Indian Army 58 (Gopal Ram 18, Jay Ram Jat 17, N. Kumar 13).
Women: Southern Railway 71 (Geethu Anna Jose 19, Renjini Peter 17, Kokila S. 16) bt Delhi 65 (Prashanti Singh 27, Raspreet Sidhu 16); Chhattisgarh 72 (Bharti Netam 22, Pushpa M. 18, Anju Lakra 16) bt Kerala 53 (Litty Mathew 14).

Finals
Men: Western Railway v IOB Chennai
Women: Southern Railway vs Chhattisgarh

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FIBA Asia