Canje Knights clinched the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association [BABA] ‘Mecca Championship’ pipping Rose Hall Town Jammers 88-86 Saturday at the Vryman’s Erven Court, New Amsterdam.
It was a come-from-behind effort by the Knights which secured them the coveted title after they had trailed from the start.
At the end of the third quarter the Knights were behind by five points (56 -61).
The victory was secured in the final quarter when the Knights recorded 32 points to the Jammers’ 25.
Prior to the dramatic conclusion, Jammers seized the initiative early as they outscored Knights 20-16 in the first period. They then marginally increased their lead in the second quarter netting 24 points to the Knights’ 22 to lead 44-38 at lemon time. The trend of the contest changed in pivotal third period as the Knights marginally reduced the deficit, outscoring Jammers 18-17. In the final quarter, amal Felix, Tyrone Dey, Michael Bowen and Neil Wills were pivotal in securing the championship.
Felix led the effort with 25 points, three rebounds and two steals while Dey tallied 18 points, three rebounds and two assists. The next best scorer was Bowen with 16 points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Wills added an invaluable 14 points and two rebounds.
For the losers, Shamar France led the way with 25 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. The next best scorer was Kwesi Mickel with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. He was followed by Jermin King who tallied 14 points and five rebounds. Edmar Semple chipped in with 11 points and three rebounds.
Vibert Garrett, President of BABA during a post tournament comment said, “It was a very good final, I wanted to make it a yearly or year-end tournament and put it on our calendar. It brings out the best of the teams and it showed the enthusiasm of the players who wanted to play basketball. It was very important for us as the association to keep basketball playing on the court. We are preparing for the GABF ‘Road to Mecca’ Championship’ in Georgetown.”
With the win, Canje Knights walked away with $100,000. On the other hand, the loser pocketed $75,000. In the earlier exhibition match, Plaisance Guardians defeated Hopetown Steelers 73-71. The event was sponsored by Nigel Hinds Financial Services.
