Ovals stun Rebels to take Game 1, Coolers advance to semis

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F and G Trading Cuties Ovals Ojays II stunned Antigua Home and Office Depot Rebels on Tuesday night at the JSC Sports Complex to take Game one in their best of three semi-finals encounter.
The Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) Division 2 play-offs match-up went down to the wire with both teams, in the dying seconds, having key opportunities to claim the win. But, a lapse in defense would cost Rebels a chance to go into overtime as Shamarie Bascus, with an offensive rebound and put back, beat the buzzer to give his team a 1-0 advantage, leaving JSC in a frenzy.
Ndegwa Malone was the leading scorer for the victors with 15 points, 20 rebounds and four steals.
He was assisted by veteran player, Curl Simon who sank 12 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.
Gabriel Perez had 16 points and six rebounds for Rebels while teammate, Mike Mills chipped in
with 13 points and six rebounds.
Kareem Blair and Gija George grabbed a combined 28 rebounds in a losing effort.
Rebels will hope to bounce back and prevent a clean sweep as both teams will face-off in Game two tonight at 6:45 p.m. at JSC.
The 2018 Division two league champions, Ottos Coolers, secured the final semi-finals spot after defeating Christos Supermarket Kenneth A. Gomez United, 79-62.
Despite a valiant effort by Michael Barton who had 18 points, 18 rebounds, five steals and four block shots United could not pull off another upset.
Former national player, John “John-I” Samuel had 12 points and five rebounds while teammate, Neville Chambers also had 12 points.
Teammate and living legend, Richie Francis chipped in, sinking 11.
National junior player, Lincoln Weekes led the Coolers to victory, netting a game high 30 points with five rebounds.
Javon Simon assisted with 12 points and five rebounds while teammates Daniel Perez contributed with 11 points and five assists and Alexis Jackson grabbed 17 rebounds.
Coolers will face Old Road Daggers later this week. 

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