Sports Nation: JOES Set Up Title Clash with Maldives U21

Sports

Saint Joseph's College (JOES) of Sri Lanka secured their place in the final of the Sports Nation U21 Basketball Championship 2026 after a dominant 79-34 victory over Lancers in their final league-stage match in Malé City.

The win ensured JOES finished second in the league standings with seven points from three matches, having recorded two wins and one defeat during the competition.

JOES took control of the match from the opening whistle and never allowed Lancers back into the contest. The Sri Lankan school side raced to a 29-5 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.

They continued their dominance in the second quarter, extending their advantage to 49-17 by halftime.

Lancers showed improved resistance after the break, but JOES maintained control and led 62-27 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw JOES comfortably close out the match, securing a convincing 79-34 victory and confirming their place in the championship final.

Leading the way for JOES was Chamindu (No. 2), whose outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

The result sets up an exciting championship final between Maldives U21 National Team and Saint Joseph's College (JOES).

The Maldives U21 National Team topped the league standings with a perfect record, winning all three of their matches to finish first. One of those victories came against JOES during the league phase, giving the national team a psychological advantage heading into the final.

However, JOES have improved throughout the tournament and will be eager to avenge their earlier defeat when the two sides meet again with the championship title on the line.

Meanwhile, Lancers will shift their focus to the bronze medal match after finishing their league campaign without a victory.

Basketball fans can now look forward to a thrilling final as the unbeaten Maldives U21 National Team takes on a confident JOES side in the battle for the Sports Nation U21 Basketball Championship crown.