The University of Guyana (UG) Trojans clinched their second Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Tertiary Knockout title when they defeated the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) last night at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
However, the win was marred by the decision of the NATI coach to lead his players off the court after he was displeased with the referee’s decision to eject a player for a third foul. After calling a timeout, the coach repeatedly argued with officials after which he led his side off the court and out of the building.
Before that incident, UG had been dominating the game leading 61-41 at halftime which more than likely left the NATI bench feeling frustrated. With two minutes to go in the third quarter, UG were leading 64-49 when the game came to a halt.
UG’s captain Jether Harris posted 19 points and grabbed four rebounds to lead his side and received valuable support from Kobe Tappin (12pts, 5 rebounds), Jushawn Bailey (12pts, 7 rebounds) and Leandre Abrams who scored 11 points. For NATI, Charles Williams led with 27 points and 9 rebounds while his teammate Qwesi Joseph had 8 points.
For his efforts throughout the competition, Jether Harris received the Most Valuable Player award.
Earlier in the night, in the final of the Titan Bowl XII, the Bishops’ High School had a comfortable 67-48 win over the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) with Carmelo Mansonhing leading the way for the winners with 29 points, 4 assists and 7 rebounds. His efforts were well supplemented by Matthias Arrindell who had 27 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds to spur Bishop’s to victory.
LTI’s main players Lerone Joseph and Julian Gordon each scored 13 points while the latter grabbed 8 rebounds and the former had 11.
Hosted by YBG as the last competition of the year, the Tertiary Knockout and Titan Bowl XII, saw tertiary institutions and secondary schools from across Guyana competing across three nights and Chris Bowman, the Director of YBG hailed the tournament as a resounding success barring the walkout by NATI. He noted that his organization will not tolerate indiscipline.
The competition was sponsored by Banks DIH, ENET, John Fernandes, Starlite Trading, Pizza Hut, Thai Express, P&P Insurance Brokers, Praetorian Executive Protection, Real Value, Housty Designs, KW Guyana, GTT, Ronald Burch Smith and the National Sports Commission.
