Don Bosco Oratory Panjim scripted a sensational victory by dethroning defending champions Don Bosco Sports Academy Fatorda on their home turf to clinch the title at the State Junior Basketball Championships 2026, the selection tournament for the 76th Junior National Basketball Championship.
Played at the Don Bosco College of Engineering Outdoor Court, Fatorda, the championship was organised by Panjim Basketeers Club in aegis with the Goa Basketball Association. DBO Panjim took control early in the final, racing to a 15-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, setting the tone for an intense contest.
Continuing their dominance, DBO Panjim extended their lead to 22-14 by halftime. However, DBSA Fatorda staged a strong comeback in the third quarter, to level the scores at 31-31 and keep the contest wide open.
Rising to the occasion in the decisive final quarter, DBO Panjim delivered an outstanding performance, outscoring Fatorda 11-2 to seal a convincing 42-33 victory. Ryan Prabhudesai starred for the champions with 15 points and was adjudged the MVP of the final, while Avner Mendonca contributed 14 crucial points and was adjudged the MVP of the tournament. For DBSA Fatorda, Aaron Ponraj scored 12 points while Jude Fernandes added 8.
Earlier in the tournament, both semifinal encounters were closely contested. DBSA Fatorda overcame NCS 55-43 with Abhinav Singh earning the MVP honours, while DBO Panjim edged past Sonics in a thrilling 42-40 finish, with Valentino named MVP.
In the quarterfinals, DBSA Fatorda registered a dominant 54-19 win over Ponda Basketball Club with Jude Fernandes named MVP, NCS narrowly defeated Lourdes 38-36 with Arjun Singh as MVP, Sonics beat Sharada Mandir 39-27 with Daniel Rodrigues and Abhimanyu Sharma sharing MVP honours, and DBO Panjim cruised past St. Thomas Aldona 52-16 with Avner Mendonca adjudged MVP. The championship served as the selection tournament for the 76th Junior National Basketball Championship 2026 to be held in Puducherry.
