Melanie Patriots defeat Eagles as Super Sevens Basketball Challenge tournament commences

The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/YOLO Entertainment Super Sevens Basketball Challenge officially opened on Sunday at the Burnham Court, Parade Ground.

The teams, while upbeat about the tournament, could not seem to get their “Sevens” together and as such the games got underway until 17:30hrs.

Melanie Patriots opened the event against Eagles in a best of three game series, winning 2-0 to go down in local basketball history as the first novelty Sevens Basketball games to be played.

In the inaugural fixture where both officials and players were trying to familiarize themselves with the rules, Patriots edged out Eagles 22-21.

Trailing 21-16 with 10 seconds left on the clock, Patriots registered a three pointer with the coloured ball which doubles scored points to take snatch the victory.

In the second matchup, Melanie defeated Eagles 44-24 to sweep the series. With the win, Melanie received $7000 and retained their position in the tournament while Eagles will also continue.

The tournament continues on November 3 and 4 at the same venue. Both the Presidents of GABA Michael Singh and Yolo Entertainment Kirk Jardine voiced their disappointment with the showing of the teams especially those teams that are affiliated to the GABA.

However they both stated that their primary interest is basketball and they will stand committed to the development of the game.