Defending champions Pacesetters survived a fourth quarter rally to seal a place in the semi-final downing Half Mile Bulls 88-79 when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation Road to Mecca National Club Championship continued on Friday.
With Pacesetters firmly in control of the quarter-final contest leading 73-56 at the end of the third quarter, the Linden unit almost created the upset as they quickly reduced the deficit at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue.
The near comeback started with a 15-6 run which pulled the visitors within single digits at 79-71 with 4:30s remaining on the clock.
Keifer Tappin then nailed a three pointer from the right side followed by a Kevin Easton strike beyond the arc from the centre as Bulls pulled within four points 83-79, giving their vocal fanbase belief with 1:20s remaining.
However, the experience of the champions proved to be the deciding factor as they initiated a 5-0 run sealing the contest with a lay up and several free throws.
Travis Burnett was the top scorer with 31 points, nine assists and eight steals while Stephon Gillis shot his way to 19 points. He connected on five three pointers.
Assisting with a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds was Randy Richardson. For the Bulls, Keifer Tappin netted 19 points while Terron Welch and Kevin Easton chipped in with 13 and 10 points respectively.
Pacesetters will face-off with Linden unit Retrieve Raiders in the semi-final round, following the latter’s win over Victory Valley Royals in the opening match.
Raiders defeated Victory Valley Royals 69-61 in an all Linden affair. Jason Alonzo top scored with 25 points while Dwayne Roberts was the next best scorer with 23 points.
For Royals, Harold Adams netted 12 points while Marlon Pollydore and Ron Beckles chipped in with nine points each.
