Colts survived a fourth quarter assault highlighted by a missed Nikkoloi Smith three-pointer in the final second to defeat Plaisance Guardians 77-74, leveling their best of three division one final of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Championships on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
With less than three seconds remaining, Smith, upon collecting an inbounds pass from the right side, unleashed a three-pointer five feet from the top of the arc, which rattled in and out the basket at the sound of the buzzer, much to disbelief of the large gathering at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Earlier, two missed free throws once again from Kurt English with four seconds left on the clock, had gifted the East Coast of Demerara side a final opportunity after a player was fouled whilst pulling down a rebound.
English, who missed two free throws in Colt’s 77-76 opening game defeat must have felt it was déjà vu following his free throw failures and Smith’s near conversion.
The dramatic fourth period started with Colts leading 65-48. However, Guardians fashioned an 8-0 run to pull within nine at 65-56 with 7:54s on the clock. It then became 67-61 with 5:31s left as Guardians went on a 5-2 run.
The East Coast of Demerara unit then sent panic through the Colts contingent, outshooting their opponents 13-10 to pull within three at 77-74. This run was highlighted by a clutch three-pointer from Smith on the left side with less than 15 seconds remaining and the score 77-71.
With English going to the line following a foul and failing to hit any of his attempts, Smith almost made his former team pay the ultimate price, receiving an inbounds pass from Trenton Woolford before firing his effort perilously close as time expired.
Dave Causeway netted 19 points in the victory while Shane Webster and Shelroy Thomas scored 17 and 14 points respectively. On the other hand, Trenton Woolford recorded a game-high 25 points in the loss.
He was assisted by Smith and Nhzkeel Visrael who netted 18 and 12 points respectively.
