New Delhi, 24th February 2025: In a high-stakes showdown at the Thyagraj Indoor Stadium, the Hyderabad Falcons delivered a statement performance, overpowering the Chennai Heat 97-76 in the InBL Pro U25
This crucial victory boosts their Semi-Final hopes, thanks to a complete team effort led by Alex Robinson’s jaw-dropping triple-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 17 assists. Kushal Singh added 17 points, while Prashant Rawat dominated the paint with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jack Purchase also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Heat, already struggling without star guard Tad Dufelmeier due to injury, started strong, using aggressive defense to edge ahead early. However, the Falcons found their rhythm midway through the first quarter. Sumanth S drilled a three-pointer, and Jack Purchase sank a smooth turnaround jumper, flipping the momentum. With the Heat’s defense collapsing under relentless attacks in the paint, Harry Morris capitalized from deep, draining a three to give the Falcons a seven-point lead at the first break.
The second quarter saw Hyderabad tighten up on defense, forcing stops and capitalizing in transition. Prashant Rawat was a force under the rim, blocking Sejin Mattew’s dunk attempt and finishing strong on the other end. As both teams traded threes, the Falcons stayed a step ahead, with Purchase and Singh leading the charge from deep. Jaideep Rathore and Malak Majak kept the Heat in the game, but Hyderabad surged ahead to a commanding 51-34 halftime lead.
The Heat came out firing in the third, upping their defensive intensity. Stanwix rejected Dalton’s shot, while Sejin Mattew and Keith Kiner added crucial points to cut the deficit. But the Falcons had answers for every challenge as Kushal Singh’s explosive baseline dunk reignited their momentum. Though the Falcons found themselves in foul trouble midway through the quarter, they maintained control, executing fastbreaks to counter the Heat’s pressure. By the end of the period, their lead stood firm at 11 points.
Chennai refused to go down quietly in the final quarter, with Jack Stanwix attacking on offense. But the Falcons’ frontcourt proved too dominant, as Purchase, Singh, and Rawat imposed their will in the paint. Callum Dalton and Purchase knocked down crucial three-pointers, widening the gap to 21 points in a flash. With Robinson orchestrating the offense, the Falcons left no room for a comeback. And despite Matt Gray’s efforts for the Heat, Hyderabad’s complete team display sealed the emphatic 97-76 win.