Despite being granted a lifeline last season, Freetown Travelers could not make do on that gift as they were relegated from the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) Division One league. Playing on Thursday night in their final match, Freetown needed to win the encounter versus Hometech Systems Outlaws who were also fighting to remain in the big yard.
They however fell in overtime to Outlaws 88-82 and bid farewell to the Division after more than 10 seasons. Freetown join NNL Distributors Total Imports Rebels who were also relegated. Meanwhile, in the feature encounter, Ottos Full Throttle upset Potters Steelers, defeating them 75-68. Former national player Xavier “Xman” Meade led the charge for the victors, netting 18 points, grabbing five rebounds and making six assists.
He was assisted by Warren Bogle who had 16 points and Adriel Inirio who sank 15 points, snatched nine rebounds and made seven assists. CBA player Troy Vasco also got in on the action, contributing 13 points and eight rebounds. Potters’ Kareem “Macky” Edwards had a game-high 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. CBA player Jacob Lloyd chipped in, netting 18 points while teammate Kebo Orford contributed sinking 14 points and six rebounds.
The Division One playoffs will shoot off on Sunday at 6:45 pm as number three seed Stingerz will face off versus number six Yorks Crushers, while at 8:30 pm Number One F and G Trading Cuties Ovals Ojays will battle against the 8th seeded Outlaws. The series is a best of three format.