United Insurance Schools’ Basketball …
… old rivals Saints and Queen’s clash  today
THERE were narrow wins for Marian Academy and Plaisance Secondary when the United Insurance-sponsored Mashramani schools’ basketball tournament got under way yesterday at the St Stanislaus College Court. There was one disappointment on the opening day when Bishops’ High unavoidably withdrew from the 12-team pack.
In the opening encounter, Marian Academy led Charlestown Secondary throughout to end 34-33 winners after leading 22-20 at the half of the 40-minute running clock match-up.
Spearheading the victory was captain Tequain Viera who led all scorers with 17 points, while for the losers Kayo Dover had 13 points and Murtland Ward 12.
In the second game Plaisance Secondary, led by Nikoli Smith with 16 points, held off a late challenge by School of the Nations (SON) to win 52-50.
With 19 seconds remaining and the game tied at 50-50 Smith shot the winner, after possessing the ball without being challenged, from just inside the 3-point arc and left his opponents three seconds to salvage something.
The ball which came off the backboard and through the rim ended the spirited efforts of the SON players.
They drew level at 50-all with over two minutes remaining, thanks to Jonathon Pooran who scored two from the free-throw line and then drove to the basket to tie the game. Pooran ended with 15 points and Devon Walker 16 for the losers while Nduka Horatio had 11 to support Smith.
Marian Academy will be in action again today when they confront Brickdam Secondary in the first game at 15:30 h, to be followed by St Rose’s High against SON.
The feature match-up this afternoon will bring together old rivals Queen’s College and hosts St Stanislaus College.