By Neto Baptiste
Defending champions Ovals flew out the proverbial gates in the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) Division 1 competition on Sunday night, blowing away the newly promoted Spanish Heat by 23 points.
Playing in the feature game at the JSC basketball complex, Ovals outscored their opponents in all four quarters to take the contest 80-57. The multiple time champions were up 25-16 at the end of the first quarter before outscoring Spanish Heat 20-17 in the second and 21-15 in the third. Ovals claimed the fourth and final quarter by a 14-9 margin.
Joshua Minner had the hot hand for Ovals with 26 points from 10 of 16 shooting, hitting four of six attempts from beyond the arc. He also had six rebounds.
Alexis Jackson was big on the defensive end for Ovals, grabbing nine defensive rebounds and 15 overall with three steals and two blocks. He also scored 10 points.
Steven Matthew was best in a losing effort for Spanish Heat with 11 points while Israel Pulinario also contributed with 11 points off the bench. Kelvin Pimentel picked up 10 points and 11 rebounds also in a losing effort.
In Sunday’s opening game, Potters Steelers defeated Ottos Full Throttle by a 72-65 score line to open their campaign on a winning note.
Jacob Lloyd led the charge for Steelers with 18 points on six of 11 shooting with five rebounds and four assists. Cohen DeSouza with 13 points and nine rebounds, along with Coy Quinland with 13 points and seven rebounds, also contributed to the victory.
Lincoln Weekes top scored for Full Throttle with 21 points while Warren Bogle had 12 points and nine rebounds, both in a losing effort.
