Frontrunners, LJ Northside Stingerz bounced back from their upsetting loss last week to defeat newbies, Potters Steelers, 89-84 in overtime at the JSC Sports Complex on Thursday night in their Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) Division One encounter.
Both teams left it all on the court as neither wanted to record their second straight loss in the very physical match-up.
The sea-saw battle turned ugly as Coy Quinland of Stingerz and Felix Hamilton of Steelers were ejected after a fight broke out between them at mid-court.
Despite the delay, Stingerz seemingly had the win under wraps but a defensive error by the frontrunners placed Kenroy “Chicken” Telemaque of Steelers on the line.
Telemaque who drilled the two free throws kept hope alive for the newly promoted team as they pushed the match to overtime.
2017 League Most Valuable Player, Vivian “Boast” Destin truly came alive for Stingerz.
Destin who ended the encounter on 21 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks was an unstoppable force on the offensive end finding his way to the basket with his explosive steps.
The former Braves player would come up big for the victors denying CBA player, Joshua Minner from the three-point line to push the match-up to a second overtime.
Minner ended the game with a game-high 26 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals.
Keroi “Dragon” Lee assisted with 21 points and 12 rebounds with teammates, James Barbee Jr. chipped-in with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists while Coy Quinland contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Steelers’ Felix Hamilton had 23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals while CBA player, Benny Iko, sank 13 points and had 5 rebounds.
Telemaque contributed with 12 points in a losing effort.
Stingerz now hold a record of 8-1 while Steelers moved to 3-4.
Former champions, Flyers Basketball also found themselves in the winner’s circle as they trounced HomeTech Systems Outlaws, 87-67.
The luck seemed to run out for Outlaws who defeated the defending champions, H.U.F. Baldwin Braves and Potters Steelers in their last two matches as they could not contain the orange men.
CBA player, Torey Fassett sent JSC into a frenzy with a number of dunks.
Fassett who continues to make a good campaign for MVP ended the encounter with 17 points and 9 rebounds.
He was assisted by Spanish sensation, Steven Matthew who sank 15 points and national player, Kenya Achom who had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
Sean Nicholas was a dominant force on the boards as he grabbed 13 rebounds and sank 12 points.
National junior player, Selassie Brathwaite also chipped in for the victors sinking 11 points.
Outlaws’ Kevin “Pumpkin” Roberts had a game -high 33 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals.
Teammates, Andrew “Puss” Venture and Jamal “Buffy” Williams contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and 10 rebounds.
Games will continue today in Division One as Yorks Crushers will face Potters Steelers at 6:45 p.m while at 8:30 p.m, HomeTech Systems Outlaws will battle Ottos Full Throttle.
Stingerz Rebound To Defeat Steelers
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