Pacesetters downed Sonics in the first division while the University of Guyana (UG) Trojans defeated Sonics in the second division when the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Federation (GABA) knockout competition continued on Tuesday.
Pacesetters secured a 69-52 victory over Sonics at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue. Nathan Saul shot his way to a game-high 23 points while Joslyn Crawford and Travis Williams chipped in with 13 and eight points respectively.
For the loser, veteran Earl O’Neil top scored with 10 points. He was assisted by Joel Schultz and Jason Squires, who added eight and seven points apiece.
The eventual score line did not highlight the competitive nature of the clash, as Sonics clinched the first period 13-9.
Pacesetters battled to take control in the second quarter, out-scoring their opponent 21-5 to lead 30-18 at the halftime break.
Sonics responded in the pivotal third stanza, netting 23 points while restricting Pacesetters to 14 points to reduce the deficit at 44-41.
However, the victory was then sealed in the final quarter as Pacesetters outmanoeuvered Sonics 25-11.
The evening started badly for Sonics as UG Trojans won 69-61.
Leading 20-13 at the end of the first quarter, the Trojans maintained their advantage in the second period, outscoring Sonics 10-9 to lead 30-22 at the halftime interval.
Sonics pulled within four points of their opponents in the third quarter at 45-41, after out-hustling Trojans 19-15.
Nonetheless, Trojans clinched the win in the final period, scoring 24 points, while restricting Sonics to 20 points.
Jafar Gibbons led the Turkeyen unit with 24 points, with the experienced Darrol Williams and Jabari Joseph assisting with 21 and 12 points respectively.
For Sonics, Alex Murray battled to 24 points, while Lemuel Grant and Terrence Arden added 17 and nine points each.
The tournament continues today at the same venue with another round of matches.
