Warrens come from behind to beat Bulls

IT took three and a half quarters but Pan American International Insurance Warrens Sports Club broke free of just trading points with the Burger King Clapham Bulls midway through the fourth quarter and took the lead and extended it to take the win 73-69 in the Co-operators General Insurance Barbados Amateur Basketball Association Premier Competition.

 

With the battle for playoffs heating up at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Warrens needed to win in order to be in any contention for the fourth place spot. They started out on an unfortunate note when one of their most versatile defenders Grieg Springer went down after just playing five minutes in the game with a knee injury. This left the Warrens’ coaches the task of filling in the defensive void left by Springer. The team worked as a unit in the attempt to stop the attacking nature of the bulls with Rahiim Gibbons and Daniel Lovell on the court at the same time, it was difficult. George Farrell continued his good shooting for the regular season with 43 per cent from the field including scoring 20 points and scoring four out of his five three point shots. He was supported by Andre Pierre with 12 points and eight rebounds. Dario Cumberbatch had a good night with his ten points and nine rebounds with Jamar King who also had ten points but added seven assists for the night. Manuel Alleng was the player of the night as he pushed and pulled his team over the light for the win. The constant attacking nature of Alleng seemed to be the jump start for the team that they needed. Alleng scored all of his 12 points in the fourth quarter and the overtime period. Alleng was relentless in his attack and put pressure on the defenders creating space for his teammates.

 

The Bulls never looked confident on the night. Besides the bright sparks from Rahiim Gibbons and Kelan Phillips, and some attack and kick ball from Daniel Lovell, the Bulls looked lack luster during the game. Gibbons took the top score for the team with 19 points and eight assists. Kelan Phillips worked with his smooth jumper to score 14 points during the game, from the drive and pull up to attacking the hoop and laying up the ball strong. But Phillips was benched late in the fourth quarter and the game started to get away from the Bulls and Warrens needed no further invitation to play stronger and wiser and more attacking in nature. And as the regular time wound down, Alleng with the help of King for Warrens played well in the extra period and Warrens took the victory in over time.

 

Warrens are now in sixth spot and will need luck to be on their side for them to climb above Barbados Hilton Resort Warriors and Orange 3 Pinelands to take the fourth and final playoff spot. (AS)