AN MVP performance from shooting guard Terron Welch ensured that Half Mile Bulls will advance to the Final of the Forbes Burnham Memorial Basketball Championship, after the Lindeners outclassed Georgetown’s Pacesetters 91-85 on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The sharp-shooting Welch had a dominant performance on his way to netting a game-high 35 points while Michael Turner assisted with 13 points. For the losers, the duo of Travis Burnette and Randy Richardson scored14 points apiece.
As a result of the win, the Linden outfit will tackle Georgetown’s Colts in the finale on September 5 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Court in Linden. On the other hand, Pacesetters will now lock horns with Victory Valley Royals.
In the opening quarter Linden took the early lead as they outscored Pacesetters 21-19. Bulls then built on their lead in the second period, scoring 27 points to Pacesetters’ 23 points to enter the halftime period ahead at 48-42.
The momentum would then change sides in the pivotal third period as Pacesetters outscored Bulls, netting 24 points while restricting their opponents to 16 points to go into the final period marginally ahead 66-64.
Nevertheless, Bulls sealed the matchup in the final period, recording an impressive 27 points to Pacesetters’ 19 points to clinch their berth in the final.
Winners of the championship will walk away with $100 000, medals and the championship trophy while the second- place side will collect the respective medals, accolades along with $60 000.
The third-place finishers will also receive a trophy, medals and $40 000. The Most Valuable Player, Best Uniformed Team and Most Disciplined Team will also receive awards.