Army and GoldenGate Ready for Qualifier Clash; Times and Hounds Set to Battle in Eliminator

In the Himalayan Java National Basketball League 2026, Army Club and GoldenGate Club secured victories in the final league stage matches. Army topped the standings with 27 points, winning 13 of 14 matches, while GoldenGate secured second place with 12 wins and 26 points. The first qualifier match will be held on Tuesday between Army and GoldenGate, while Times and Hounds will face off in the eliminator. Kathmandu, 23 Chaitra.

On Monday, in the league’s final two games, Tribhuvan Army Club and GoldenGate Basketball Club emerged victorious. At the Dashrath Rangasala in Tripureshwor, Army defeated KVC Hounds, and GoldenGate overcame Times Basketball Club. These wins guaranteed both Army and GoldenGate places in the first qualifier. Army dominated the league phase by winning 13 out of 14 games, accumulating 27 points.

Following the double round-robin format, Army’s only loss in the first phase was against Times. GoldenGate finished second with 12 wins out of 14 games, earning 26 points. Times, who lost the final match, ended third with 10 wins and 4 losses, totaling 24 points, while Hounds secured fourth place with 9 wins and 5 losses, collecting 23 points. The first qualifier match is scheduled for Tuesday between Army and GoldenGate; the winner will advance directly to the final, while the losing team will have another chance.

Both matches on Monday were highly competitive and thrilling. Army defeated KVC Hounds 103-99. Both teams evenly split the first four quarters with two wins each, but in the decisive fourth quarter, Army edged ahead 31-27 to clinch the exciting victory. Nischal Maharjan of Army contributed a game-high 22 points and was named Man of the Match. In the second game, GoldenGate narrowly defeated Times 97-95, securing victory in overtime.

The playoff matches of the HJNBL, organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA), will commence on Tuesday. Tuesday will feature the first qualifier and the eliminator games. The tournament winner will receive a cash prize of NPR 400,000, the runner-up will earn NPR 200,000, and the third-placed team will be awarded NPR 100,000.