Calliaqua clutch men’s b-ball title in close finish

Aycees Calliaqua retained the National Lotteries Authority national club championships title last Sunday night at the New Montrose basketball facility, but only by the skin of their teeth.{{more}}

The long-standing champions of the sport on the national scene, Calliaqua, were pushed to the brink by a determined Bequia outfit.

Calliaqua came out blazing and took the honours in the first quarter, 21-13, the second at 42-28 and the third at 55-47.

Calliaqua enjoyed a 12-point lead with just over two minutes on the clock.

However, Bequia stormed with a fit of energy, and with 17.91 seconds on the clock and the score 72-71 in Calliaqua’s favour, Shavia Farrell of Bequia was awarded two free throws, but missed both, and the scoreline remained the same.

Before the high drama, Bequia had come within two baskets in the third quarter, when they inched to 44-46 behind Calliaqua, only to spill the momentum.

Bequia outscored Calliaqua 24-17 in the final quarter, but did not have the killer instinct when it mattered most.

Although happy with the win, player/coach of the Calliaqua outfit Randolph Williams thought they were a bit fortunate.

“We almost gave it away… We became too lackadaisical and too confident”, Williams told SEARCHLIGHT.

This over-confidence, according to Williams, had a serious dent on the team, as they were unable to respond when Bequia began recording successive baskets.

“Two minutes in a basketball game is like a lifetime and we struggled to finish the match,” Williams commented.

On the other hand, Bequia’s Shavia Farrell took responsibility and blame for his team’ s nervy loss, as they huddled for their closing prayer at the end of the match.

Leslo Mc Kenzie, player of the final, and Ishamma Mc Kree both registered 25 points each for Calliaqua. Jonas King 16 and Lamont Gordon 11 were the significant contributors for Bequia.(RT)