Pacesetters and Half Mile Bulls secured easy victories, when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) ‘Road to Mecca’ Club Championship, continued on Wednesday, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.
Traditional giant Pacesetters brushed aside the challenge of Plaisance Guardians, winning by a 78-64 scoreline.
Veteran guard Stephon Gillis was the top scorer with 19 and five rebounds, while Nathan Saul closely followed with 18 points and four steals.
They were supported by Sherlon Legall, who tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds and Joslyn Crawford, who added 10 points. For the loser, Trenton Woolford recorded 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
The next best contributors were Colwyn Nurse with 13 points and Akeem Crandon with 13 points and five rebounds. Malcolm Powdar chipped in with eight points.
The first quarter set the tone of the clash, as Pacesetters romped to a 20-8 advantage.
Pacesetters maintained their lead heading into the half-time interval at 36-26, as they were marginally outscored 18-16 by the Guardians in the second quarter.
However, the Georgetown unit strengthened their grip on the contest in the third period, scoring 20 points while limiting the Guardians to 14 points, to lead 56-40 entering the final stanza. With the contest effectively decided by Pacesetters’ sizable lead, Guardians outscored their opponent 24-22.
Meanwhile, Linden outfit Half Mile Bulls crushed the Berbice unit, Rose Hall Town Jammers 81-53.
Michael Turner recorded a double-double of 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Terron Welch supported with 20 points, five steals, five assists and four rebounds.
For the Berbicians, Michael King top scored with 13 points, while Mickel Lewis tallied nine points, five steals, four rebounds. Kevin Emanuel registered eight points and 15 rebounds, and David Hope netted eight points.
The tournament which is sponsored by Banks DIH under the Coca-Cola and Powerade brands, will continue at the same venue today.
In the opening fixture, Retrieve Raiders Will battle Victory Valley Royals at 19:00hrs. The feature contest will then pit current holders Colts against Amelia’s Ward Jets.
