The Flames failed to ignite from jump ball and ended the first half 26-36. Royals’ point guard Chris Williams wreaked havoc on the court as the Flames’ defenders were watery and could not prevent him from recording a game high 31 points.
The Block 22 Boys seemed to be out of fuel at the end of the third quarter and never got back into the game which ended in a crushing 105-47 defeat for the Flames.
Supporting Williams were Harold Adams, who threw down 19 points, Anderson Durant (17) and Marvin Russell (14). Johnson’s 11 points, was the only Flames player with double figures.
In the second encounter favourites Kashif and Shanghai Kings gained their first win in the tournament without breaking a sweat against Amelia’s Ward Kings, who failed to show up.
The tournament will continue on April 21 with a double header with New Ballers clashing with Alleyne Retrieve Raiders at 20:00 hours while at 22:00 hrs Wismar Pistons will play Glands Trucking Service Bulls.
The first place team will receive $100,000, 12 replicas and a trophy and second place will take away $60,000 and a trophy. The third place finishers will pocket $40,000 and a trophy while fourth place is guaranteed $20,000 and a trophy.
The MVP will also receive a trophy for the tournament that is sponsored by Banks DIH Limited and the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA).
