Punjab Warriors Stage Stunning Comeback Against Chennai Heat in InBL Pro U25
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter on February 16, the Punjab Warriors overcame the Chennai Heat with a 76-70 triumph, showcasing remarkable defensive skills in the final quarter of the InBL Pro U25. Stokley Chaffee and Lucas Barker led the charge to secure a vital victory.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Warriors staged a significant comeback.
- Stokley Chaffee recorded a double-double.
- Defensive intensity peaked in the final quarter.
- Both teams are tied in league standings.
- Match held at Thyagraj Indoor Stadium.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Punjab Warriors achieved a remarkable 76-70 comeback victory over the Chennai Heat thanks to a stellar defensive effort in the final quarter during the InBL Pro U25 held at the Thyagraj Indoor Stadium this Sunday.
The Punjab Warriors entered this contest sitting at the bottom of the standings, eager to rectify their previous 77-65 defeat to the Heat. With their season on the line, they delivered a powerful statement win, spearheaded by Stokley Chaffee’s impressive double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds) and Lucas Barker’s
Both teams erupted out of the gate, exchanging baskets in a high-octane first quarter. Chaffee electrified the crowd with a thrilling two-handed putback dunk, while Uche Dibiamaka was instrumental in the Warriors’ offensive strategy. However, the Heat gained traction with pivotal defensive plays as Tad Dufelmeier, Majak Malak, and Jack Stanwix propelled them to a five-point advantage. Just as the quarter seemed to slip away, Chaffee delivered a spectacular poster dunk over Stanwix, leaving a charged atmosphere as they headed into halftime.
The intensity remained high in the second quarter. Arvind Kumar caught fire, sinking consecutive three-pointers, while Keith Kiner executed a three-point play to extend the Heat’s lead to nine. However, foul trouble emerged, with Kiner accumulating his third foul before the break. The Warriors took advantage, attacking the paint through Samuel Taane and Princepal Singh. Lucas Barker then stepped up, completing a three-point play and finishing with a tough layup as the Heat struggled to find their rhythm. The Warriors capitalized on this momentum shift, with Thomas Garret and Barker hitting back-to-back threes, taking their first lead just before halftime.
Chaffee continued to dominate the boards in the third quarter, converting second-chance points to keep the Warriors on track. Dufelmeier responded with a deep three and a contested mid-range jumper to tie the score. The lead oscillated back and forth as Malak hit an open three for the Heat, while Taane remained a formidable presence in the low post for the Warriors. With the game hanging in the balance, Vaisakh Manoj nailed a clutch three-pointer, granting the Heat a five-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Warriors’ defense tightened in the final quarter. They increased the pressure, forcing the Heat into stagnant offensive sets and difficult shots. Sandhu, who had been quiet throughout the game, exploded with back-to-back baskets, putting the Warriors ahead by four. Despite dominating the rebounding battle, the Heat struggled to convert their chances, going scoreless for over half the quarter until Matt Gray ended the drought with a low-post finish. Their offensive struggles persisted as they hit the foul limit and missed critical scoring opportunities. Chaffee capped off the Warriors' comeback with another emphatic two-handed slam in transition.
Following this match, both teams now stand with three wins and three losses in the league, reflecting the intense competition present in the InBL Pro U25.
