IND - Indian All-Stars sparkle Mumbai with electrifying games

MUMBAI (BFI) - The best basketball players in India came out to put on an extraordinary display of skill, athletic ability and hoops intelligence at the Mastan YMCA court in Nagpada, Mumbai on the occasion of the Indian All-Star Weekend.

The finest Indian men and women players, from all across the country, were invited to play in these exhibition games that produced plenty of thrills and a few dominating performances.

The toast of the night without a doubt was Geethu Anna Jose, India’s biggest basketball star, who has recently been invited to try out with the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.

On Saturday, Geethu was at her dominant best, scoring 41 points in the Women’s All Star Game in leading the West (pictured) to a 77-74 win over the East. Not surprisingly, she took home the game's MVP honours.

The West took an early lead behind Geethu’s unstoppable inside play and support from Indian woman’s captain Prashanti Singh who added 21 points.

Some sharp-shooting by Delhi’s Raspreet Sidhu helped the East stay within striking distance.

The West led by eight to start the final frame, but the East mounted a comeback behind a three-point barrage launched by Bharti Netam, Anju Lakra, and Manisha Dange.

In the end though, the West did just enough to come away on top.

Hindi film actress Neetu Chandra was an added attraction for the fans present, as she displayed her own hoop skills as part of the Women’s EAST team. Chandra, who has been an active basketball player, has been participating in regularly in basketball events at the Mastan YMCA.

The Men's game resulted in the East came out on top 95-82.

Trideep Rai had 21 points and Yadwinder Singh added 18 as the East were dominant from the very start, building a 42-33 by halftime and not letting up after the break.

Jagdeep Singh Bains had a game-high 22 for the West.

The All Star Weekend’s began on Friday when crowds witnessed a Men’s and Women’s 3-point shooting competition, won by Vishesh Bhriguvanshi and Akansha Singh respectively, and a Men’s Slam Dunk contest, where Bhriguvanshi and TJ Sahi were named joint winners.

FIBA