Following weeks of deliberation the final of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Road to Mecca Championship between Retrieve Raiders and Colts will be replayed today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 21:30hrs.
The original final on March 19th between Linden unit Raiders and Georgetown side Colts was abandoned after the former team walked off the court in the fourth quarter in protest at the officiating.
At the time of the stoppage, Colts led 54-51 with 9:18s remaining on the clock. Raiders eventually returned to the playing area 20 minutes later following discussions with the GABF President Nigel Hinds.
Subsequently footage of the fouls which led to the incident were reviewed by Hinds, the officials and the Raiders captain. It was eventually deemed that mistakes were made by the official. However, the match did not resume after Colts opted to exit the arena, stating that the actions of their foe could not be condoned.
The match will see a resumption of the traditional but often times controversial Linden versus Georgetown rivalry. In an effort to avoid a repeat of the aforesaid episode, the federation will utilize the services of two International Basketball Federation (FIBA) accredited officials from Barbados.
Switching focus to the actual contest, the two teams deservedly made the event’s climax due to contrasting but effective styles. Raiders are known for their interior game led by ‘big-men’ Dwayne Roberts and Jason Alonzo, which effectively spreads the court for the shooters such as Keon Cameron, Neil marks and Marvin Hartman.
Meanwhile, Colts are heralded for their guard play and perimeter shooting through the combination of Dave Causeway, Shelroy Thomas, Kurt English and rising star Stanton Rose. Although they do not possess the overall size of the Linden unit, Colts have interior threats in the form of Shane Webster and Kurt `Gypsy’ Elias.
In terms of the numbers, Colts is the leading offensive team with 231 points recorded over three matches at a healthy average of 77 points per match. Wins over Ravens 81-59, Pepsi Sonics 70-48 and Block 22 Flames 80-45, are a testament to their threat going forward.
Similarly, the Georgetown unit is marginally the best defensive unit as they have only conceded 152 points across the event at a rate of 50.6 points per game. On the other hand, the Lindeners have registered a total of 197 points per match at a rate of 65.6 points per matchup, a significant difference of 11.4 points.
Raiders’ path to the final round was achieved following wins over Pacesetters 65-56, Royals 69-61 and New Amsterdam Warriors 63-44. On the defensive end, Raiders possess near identical numbers to their foe, conceding only 161 points thus far at a rate of 53.6 points per match.
From 19:00hrs, Pepsi Sonics will oppose Plaisance Guardians in an exhibition encounter. Winner of the event will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up will receive $250,000 and the corresponding accolade.
