All Squared

Carib Calliaqua and Mattafix Playaz are locked in battle 1-1 in the finals of the National Lotteries Authority National Club Basketball Tournament, after last weekend’s contests.{{more}}

The last match in the best of three series is set for this Sunday evening from 6:30 p.m. at the tournament venue, the New Montrose Basketball facility.

Playaz took game one 78-75, which was played last Saturday evening, but like true champions, Calliaqua clawed their way back to take game two, 70-68.

In taking a one nil lead in the series, Playaz had to rebound from a ten-point deficit, after Calliaqua had sped away to a 26-16 lead in the first quarter.

Playaz though inched their way to a 44-39 lead at the completion of the second quarter.

The ding-dong tussle continued in the third quarter, with Calliaqua regaining the ascendancy, taking the quarter 62-52.

In the final quarter, Playaz dug deep in their resources to close out the match 78-75.

For Playaz, Philon Taylor scored 19 points and Kendall Cumberbatch had 18, while for Calliaqua, Ishama Mc Kree had a game high of 36 points and his sidekick, Lezlo Mc Kenzie, sank 19.

In game two on Sunday night, Playaz took the first quarter 15-13. It was 32-28 in favour of Calliaqua at the halfway point. Calliaqua extended their lead to 52-44 at the end of the third quarter; however, they stuttered towards the end, but had enough to win 70-68, and force a game three.

Lezlo Mc Kenzie was the high hand for Calliaqua with 28 points and Ishama Mc Kree poured in 21. Orlando Ferguson topped Playaz’ scoring with 18 points and Philon Taylor contributed 14.

In reaching the finals, Playaz defeated Bequia All Stars 82-55, and Calliaqua downed Hairoun Hardcore 80-65 in the semi-finals. Both matches were played last Friday night.

Following Sunday’s match, there will be the Presentation and Closing Ceremony for the tournament. (RT)