Kathmandu: Times International Club secured a thrilling 81–79 victory over IIMS Kirtipur in the National Basketball League on Tuesday, with Kamal Thapa scoring the decisive basket in the dying moments.

With only seconds remaining, Thapa converted a crucial rebound into two points after captain Sadish Pradhan’s three-point attempt missed, sealing the win for Times.

Manish KC led all scorers with 31 points and was named player-of-the-match at the National Sports Council’s covered hall in Tripureshwar.

Trailing for most of the game, Times staged a remarkable comeback, particularly in the second half. Kirtipur dominated the opening quarters, winning the first 20–14 and the second 22–20 to take a 42–34 lead at halftime. Although Times edged the third quarter 20–16, Kirtipur remained ahead 58–54 heading into the final period. In the decisive fourth quarter, Times produced an outstanding display, outscoring Kirtipur 27–21 to clinch the win.

The victory marks Times’ seventh consecutive win in the league. With seven wins and one loss, they sit atop the standings with 15 points.

In the late fixture of the day, GoldenGate registered a humiliating 108-46 victory over Royal. Nikesh Magar contributed the highest 30 points for winning side.

A total of eight teams are competing in the second edition of the tournament, organised by the Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA).