Pinelands’ women undefeated
THE Pinelands ladies have made their mark in the #1 Beauty Supplies and Beauty Exchange BABA Women’s League, grabbing another victory – 69-55 – against the University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds.
Pinelands are a newly formed 2016 ladies team, and have played undefeated so far for the season. Currently, their record stands at 3 wins and 0 losses, with the most recent victory being over the UWI girls.
UWI started the game confidently, taking the lead and maintaining it by the end of the first, up 18-13. From a spectator’s point of view, there was going to be two problems faced by the UWI team. Firstly was the fact that Pinelands consists of Barbados National players, including Sade Clarke, Tamisha Flatts and Maria Cumberbatch. Secondly, there was the problem of only having five players available on the night. Playing against such a dangerous team like the Pine, fatigue was going to be an issue exploited.
The Pine turned the game around in the second quarter by being methodical, with Clarke bringing the ball and controlling the pace of the game, and ensuring that the shots taken were good ones. With Cumberbatch and Flatts scoring, points came easily. By the end of the half, they had not only cut down the 6 point lead to tie the game, but also put themselves ahead by 6.
By the third quarter both teams traded baskets mostly, but Cumberbatch for the Pine came alive to pour on the points. “Flowers”, as she is called on the basketball scene, let the points rain, scoring 18 of her game high 32 points in the second half. UWI were outplayed and outscored, not due to lack of effort however, and went down tired, but fighting, by 14.
Sade Clarke finished with 15 points, while veteran Marion Hurley, who came out of retirement to take to the court once again, ended the game with 6. For the Blackbirds, Tonya Corbin played extremely well for her 17 points, supported by Ashley Rock with 12. Ashida Hinds and Keisha Corbin tallied up 7 and 6 respectively.
The Blackbirds will face Burger King Clapham Bulls today at 6 p.m. at the Barbados Community College, and are slated to play again next Tuesday at 6 p.m. versus the Combined Schools Hoopsters. (AS)