Ravens and University of Guyana (UG) Trojans secured wins over Colts and Eagles, respectively, when the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League of Champions U23 division commenced on Wednesday.
Staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Ravens downed Colts 64-55. Murtland Ward led the winner with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds and 11 steals.
He was assisted by Treson Burnett who scored 18 points and Sebastian Luke who recorded 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
For the loser, Timothy Thompson registered 15 points and as many rebounds, whilst Jonathan Mangra scored 16 points, to go with eight rebounds, and Jafar Gibbons recorded 10 points and six rebounds.
Trailing 25-15 heading into the halftime interval, Ravens reduced the deficit in the pivotal third period, netting 22 points to Colts’ 17 points, to head into the final quarter at 42-37. Ravens then completed the comeback, as, they outscored Colts 27-13.
Meanwhile, UG Trojans grounded Eagles 54-51. Sherland Gillis bagged a double-double of 14 points and 18 rebounds for the winner, whilst Kadeem Peterkin and Denzel Logan chipped in with 13 and 11 points each.
For the other side, Travis Belgrave registered a double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds, while Darrol Williams battled to 14 points.
Trojans got off to the perfect start as the first period ended 14-6. They then built on their lead in the second stanza, outhustling Eagles 13-11 to enter the halftime break ahead at 27-17.
However, Eagles fought back in the third quarter, scoring 17 points whilst restricting Trojans to 10 points, to enter the final period trailing, 37-34.
Nevertheless, Trojans held on to seal the hard-fought win, as both teams scored 17 points in the last quarter. The event resumes at the same venue tomorrow with a doubleheader.
In the opening fixture at 20:30hrs, UG Trojans battle Ravens in the U23 division while Pepsi Sonics engage Pacesetters in the Open division from 20:30hrs.
