Both sides began the game with tight defence and low scoring as Bangkok Bank took a 26-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Hi-Tech stumbled awhile but their two key players Piyapong Pirun and Songkit Thongpoon and newcomer Nontaphop Wiwattanapongpet combined to score 11 points, holding the

lead to 42-32 in the second period.

The following quarter went fast and furious as numerous fouls were called.

With 5:14 remaining in the third quarter, Bangkok Bank narrowed the gap to 10 points but Hi-Tech ran away with 13 consecutive points.

Kirati Panichkitchareon and Wirayut Wangsujaritkul put Hi-Tech 70-50 in the final period with 4:21 left.

Bangkok Bank, playing under pressure from vocal Hi-Tech fans, committed too many errors in the closing minutes before the defending champions won the match.

In another men's match, Tiew Pai Ngarm edged past Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) 74-70 in a see-saw match.

In the women's opening match, national team player Nantana Chareonrat sunk 19 points to lead defending champions Bangkok Bank A to a 70-44 victory over arch-rivals Hi-Tech.

Rattana Bundit picked up their first points following a 67-58 victory over Bangkok Bank B in a thrilling match.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation