CALCUTTA, Nov 11: Hosts Bengal started on a flying note, easily defeating Delhi in the inaugural match of the Inter-zonal Basketball Championships for men at the West Bengal Basketball Association courts here today. Running away with a 14 point lead at half-time, the hosts eventually won the Group A match 85-48.

In another match in the same group, Bihar came back from behind to beat Karnataka 78-63. The winners were leading 43-38 at half-time. In Group B, Punjab led throughout to beat reigning champions Rajasthan 85-65.

Karnataka started well, opening an 18-10 lead. However, the East zone team caught up with their opponents at 26. At 35-35, Islahuddin scored a two-pointer for Bihar to put them ahead. Shahid Khuresia and Jagdip Dhalwal put up a tremendous display for the winners, scoring 32 and 28 points.

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