The hosts Srinakarinwirot stole passes but failed miserably in their shooting attempts through the first period as the Dhurakij Pundit side led 10-0. Prachya Kruatiwa and Krit Kaewsuwan hit two straight three-pointers apiece and Chanachon Klaharn's two free throws helped the hosts cut the gap to 14-15 before the visitors' Sophon Pinitpacharalert buried a three-pointer to end the first period at 16-25.

The hosts struggled to break Dhurakij's game as the visitors controlled proceedings to stretch the lead to 35-47 at half-time.

Srinakarinwirot fought back and were trailing 53-54 with a little over three minutes remaining in the third period when the hosts' Kittipong Chandabu had a chance to level but was penalised for a foul. Chanachon was accurate at the free-throw level, hitting eight to help Srinakarinwirot edge closer to 57-59 at the end of the third period.

In the last quarter, Chanachon helped the hosts equalise at 63 and lead for the first time 65-63. Both teams traded baskets before Dhurakij played aggressively to regain the lead. Prawit Wichudarat dribbled past three Dhurakij's defenders and passed it to Chanachon, who regained the lead 77-75.

Sansern Wiriyatarangkul caught fire late, scoring 12 points for Srinakarinwirot to make it impossible for Dhurakij to catch up with the hosts.

In another semifinal, Thammasat University tamed Rattana Pundit University 65-54.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation