A second-half blitz from Half Mile Bulls helped them secure the inaugural Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Malta Supreme Christmas Open basketball championships downing Retrieve Raiders 64-47 Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) in Linden.
Trailing 24-25 going into the half-time interval, Half Mile Bulls seized control of the contest in the third stanza in front of a capacity crowd, netting 22 points while restricting their opponent to 12 points to enter the final period ahead 46-37.
The Bulls then completed the come-from-behind win netting 18 points and restricting their opponents to 10 points. Terron Welch led the Bulls with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one blocked shot.
He was supported by Michael Turner, who scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds, three assists and two steals and Travin Dryden, who registered a double-double of 11 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and one steal.
For the losers, Dwayne ‘Sugar’ Roberts copped a double-double of 14 points, 13 rebounds and six steals while Keon Cameron assisted with 10 points, four assists and three steals. The next best scorer was Marvin Hartman with five points, seven rebounds, three assists and as many steals.
Raiders took the initial lead in the first quarter as they outscored Bulls 10-7. However, the Bulls cut the deficit in the second period, with a second half assault as they outscored Raiders 17-15.
Victory Valley Royals were automatically awarded third place after Amelia’s Ward Jets were disqualified for refusing to take the court in the second quarter of their semi-final affair with Retrieve Raiders.
The Jets argued that the playing surface was unsuitable following a downpour. However, the officials deemed the surface was conducive for play and subsequently asked them to take the field. The Jets refused and were eventually were disqualified.
In the earlier exhibition matchup, LABA West U19s squeaked past the LABA East U19s 52-45. The presentation of the prizes is expected to be staged in the following week.
Malta Supreme Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie, Banks DIH Linden Manager Shondel Eastman and LABA President Lawrence Simons met the teams prior to the commencement of the final.
