Guyana’s basketballers endured mixed fortunes in their group-B campaign at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey, defeating Mauritania but losing to Uganda yesterday at the Karatay Congress and Sports Centre.
In their opening match of the tournament, Guyana defeated Mauritania 18-17. Nikkoloi Smith top scored with eight points, while the duo of Harold Adams and Stanton Rose Jr assisted with five points respectively.
However, Guyana suffered a 15-18 loss to Uganda in their second outing. Rose led the way with eight points, with Adams the next best scorer on four points. Smith and Travis Belgrave recorded two and one point apiece.
Coordinator Junior Hercules during a post-match comment said, “Our first game against Mauritania showed what Guyana can be in moments when we are required to dig deep. While our nerves were tested we managed to hold it together, especially with clutch shots and free throws from Harold Adams and Nikkoloi Smith being the biggest contributors. Winning the game at the free line showed a lot of grit.”
He further said, “In our second game, I believe our opponent was hungrier than we were. A few calls didn’t go in our favour. Ultimately a much bigger Uganda enjoyed multiple second attempt opportunities and our failure to get more offensive help outside of the captain proved to be the decisive reason for our loss.”
Guyana will resume their campaign tomorrow against Iran, before ending the group stage section versus Maldives. The top two finishers will progress to the elimination round.
In 2017, the 3×3 format of basketball replaced the traditional game at the Islamic Solidarity Games which commenced in Saudi Arabia in 2005. Guyana is the only English-speaking country at this year’s edition which is slated to feature 55 countries.
