The Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) Division Two featured an exciting Saturday night doubleheader at the JSC venue, with Flyers overpowering Spanish Heat and Navigators securing a hard-fought victory over Cuties Ovals Ojays.
In the opening contest, Flyers snapped up a 10-point victory in their 95-85 triumph over Spanish Heat. The Flyers overcame a strong first quarter from Spanish Heat who led 26-21 after the opening period by outscoring their opponents 30-25 in the second quarter to tie the game at halftime.
The Flyers seized control in the third quarter with a dominant 29-12 run that established a comfortable lead they would not relinquish. Despite Spanish Heat’s best efforts to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Flyers 22-15, the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Rashaun Harry led the way for the Flyers with an impressive double-double, collecting 21 points and 20 rebounds along with 7 assists. Tyrese White contributed 16 points, while Amare Browne added 15 points.
For Spanish Heat, Wester Baptiste put on a scoring clinic with a game-high 37 points, but received limited support from his teammates. Kevin Pimental added 25 points, while Erwin Rodriguez secured a near 20-rebound performance with 19 boards to go along with his 14 points.
The nightcap featured a compelling comeback as Navigators overcame a halftime deficit to hand Ovals their first defeat of the season with their 78-72 win.
Ovals controlled the first half, building a 46-37 advantage behind strong play from in-form Tajahron Davis and Tequan Brodie. However, Navigators stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Ovals 24-8 to take a commanding lead into the final period.
Though Ovals fought back in the fourth quarter, outscoring Navigators 18-17, their efforts fell short as tensions flared late. With just five seconds remaining and Navigators leading by six, Brodie was assessed a technical foul, effectively ending any chance of a last-second comeback.
Ariel Quallis was the standout performer for Navigators, pouring in a game-high 27 points while adding 11 rebounds and six assists in a complete performance. Ralph Spoonerdominated the boards with 24 rebounds, while De-Lornge Jules contributed 13 points, including a crucial free throw in the final seconds to secure the victory.
For Ovals, Davis led the scoring effort with 22 points and four assists, while Brodie added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. N’kenge Drew and Shaheim Omarde controlled the glass with 12 and 11 rebounds respectively.
There will be a break for one week as the venue is being utilized for the 19th Annual Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament scheduled for a Monday evening (April 14) shoot-off. The Division will resume on April 22 with DA Project battling Pheonix in the first match while United will take on Fearless Crew.
