Retrieve Raiders were crowned the LABA/104.3 POWER FM Mash champions, downing Half Mile Bulls 80-78 in the final Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hard-court, Linden.
Eventual tourney Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive Player Dwayne Roberts top scored in the win with 24 points while recording 15 rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
Keon Cameron chipped in with 16 points, six steals and four assists while Abdulla Hamid recorded 16 points, five rebounds, Marvin Hartman registered 10 points and four rebounds and Neil Marks nine points and 11 rebounds.
For the losers, Terron Welch shot his way to a mammoth 41 points, three assists and two steals while Michael Turner netted 13 points and Keifer Tappin 11 points and four rebounds.
With the win, Raiders pocketed $100,000 and the championship trophy while Bulls collected $50,000 and the corresponding accolade.
The opening period witnessed Raiders seizing the early control as they outscored Bulls 17-16. Raiders maintained their slim advantage in the second stanza as both teams scored 23 points to go into the half time interval ahead at 40-39.
The pivotal third quarter saw Raiders extend their lead to eight points as they outscored Bulls 26-19 to enter the final period at 66-58.
Raiders then held on in the final stanza to clinch the championship as they were outscored by a 20-14 score line.
Victory Valley Royals defeated Amelia’s Ward Jets 62-53 in the third place playoff.
Trevor Profitt scored 17 points while Alwyn Rodney and Harold Adams contributed 11 and seven points respectively.
For the losing team, Vibert Benjamin scored 14 points while Parish Cadogan and Joel Webster netted 10 and nine points apiece.
Due to the win, Royals walked away with $25,000 and the third place title while Jets received $15,000.
Trailing 27-20 at the half time interval, Royals began the comeback in the third stanza as they outscored Jets by a 15-13 margin to trail 40-35 heading into the final period.
Royals then completed the come from behind victory as they outshot Jets by a 27-13 score line.
Meeting the teams before the commencement of the event were GABF President Nigel Hinds and LABA President Haslyn Graham.
The other sponsors of the event included Powerline Auto Spares, Trophy Stall, Babaloo Car Rental, and Ansa McAl under the Mackeson Brand, BOSAI, Tony White and Clyde Brusche.
