-LABA Pioneer Construction c/ships

The Pioneer Construction-sponsored Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) first-division league resumed at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court with wins for Alleyene’s Retrieve Raiders and Glands Trucking Service Bulls.

Playing in the opening game of the double header Friday last the Raiders defeated Patriots 65-60 after leading 34-25 at half time.

Louis James led all scorers with a game-high 22 points while Devon Gittens and Darwin Lovell chipped in with 15 and 13 points respectively.

For the Patriots, only Ruel Daniels touched double digits while national power forward Alwyn Wilson scored nine points.

It was the second win for the Raiders and the fifth defeat for the Patriots.

Meanwhile, bottom-of-the-table Bulls pulled off a big upset when they handed the Wismar Pistons their second defeat winning 46-43.

At half time, the Pistons led 22-19 but thanks to a game-high 22 points from Terrence James, the Bulls came back to pick up their third win.

Wendell Worrell scored 14 points while Nevin Grenville and Shane Lewis contributed 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Pistons and the Patriots will square off tonight when the tournament continues with Amelia’s Ward Jets facing the Ballers in the second game.

The Jets defeated the Ballers easily in the first round and will be looking to break away from their tie with the Victory Valley Royals.