Bulls overcome Flames 64-54, Raiders maul Falcons 82-23RT

Retrieve Raiders powered their way past Bankers Trust Falcons 82-23, while Half Mile Bulls overcame Block 22 Flames 64-54 to secure opening wins last Saturdaynight when the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) organised Malta Supreme Open basketball championship preliminary round began at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.Tonight the competition continues with the Raiders facing the Flames in the first game at19.00hrs while the second is between Victory Valley Royals and the Amelia’s Ward Jets at 21.00hrs.
In the first game on Saturday night the Bulls were able to stave off the Flames with a ten point eventual win after leading through three quarters 16-13, 30-24 and 49-41, before easing to their winning score 64-54.
Young promising former junior national guard Dennis Niles continued to show his worth with a game high 19 points as Jamal Bethune added 10 the Bulls win.
Selwyn Henry was the top scorer for the Flames with 14 points and Aubrey Johnson got 13 in their losing cause.
The Raiders, however, humbled the Falcons with a 82-23 hammering after taking the lead in the first quarter by ten points 18-8 and at half time comfortably coasting at 56-12. The Falcons mustered a mere four points, before easing the throttle as the third quarter finished with a 50 point cushion for the Raiders 68-18. They held the hapless Falcons only to just six points and winning eventually 82-23.
Coel Winter was their top shoot with 13 points as five players got double figures in a total Raiders team effort. Former national forward Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts, Derron Montrose, veteran Abdulla Hamid and Alexander Rose each netted 12 points.

(Joe Chapman)