Kathmandu:  Hounds Academy clinched their second consecutive win in the Himalayan Java Basketball League (HJBL) with a thrilling 85-81 victory over Times Basketball Club on Tuesday at Kirtipur Covered Hall.

In a highly competitive match, both teams took turns leading two quarters each, but the Hounds ultimately emerged victorious.

Times made a commanding strong taking the first quarter 22-19. However, Hounds bounced back in the second quarter winning 26-20 and leading 45-42 at halftime.

Building on that momentum, Hounds dominated the third quarter 28-16 extending their lead to 73-58. Despite trailing by 15 points, Times launched a spirited comeback in the final quarter winning  23-12 but fell just short of overturning the deficit.

Times captain Sadish Pradhan scored 29 points but couldn’t carry his team to victory. For Hounds, Sujal Khadka scored 21 points while Bijay Burja was named the most-valuable-player for the second game in a row.

Hounds had defeated Royals in their opening match. It was first defeat for Times, who had beaten Golden Gate Basketball Club in their opening fixture.

In another game, Golden Gate earned their first win edging Royals 79-72 to inflict the latter second straight loss.

Royals took the first quarter 20-16 before Golden Gate leveled the score at halftime winning the second quarter 17-13. They won the third quarter 23-22 and sealed the game by taking the fourth 23-17.

Nikesh Magar scored 27 points for Golden Gate and was named the-player-of-the-match. Royals’ Prasan Dhoj Maskey scored 25 points.

Samakhushi Youth Club and home team Kirtipur will vie on Wednesday. The event features six teams being held in a double round-robin format.