Thomas’ inspired Bounty Colts edge Kobras

A VINTAGE performance from Bounty Colt’s star Shelroy Thomas made certain his team lives to fight another day as they eclipsed Kobras 77-76 to take the three-game playoff series 2-1 as the One Guyana Basketball league continued.

Saturday evening’s double header was contested at the National Gymnasium Hard court.

The two sides, going into the match, were poised with a win each.

Colts took the first of the playoff games 66-51 but Kobras showed grit and determination to bounce back 78-73 in game two to force a game three.

In the do or die match-up for a chance to play the Jaguars conference finals, Colts came out hot in the first quarter leading 20-15.

But that was not a sign of things to come as Kobras, led by Travis Burnett and Carlos Edwards, stepped up the ante to tie the scores by half time 35-35.

Colts Coach Willon Cameron seemed to give his men a stern pep talk during the break as they looked a different side in the third.

Added to that Colts had the fortune of Kobras best player on the night, Travis Burnett, getting a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Colts stepped on the pedal as they opened an eight-point lead in the third and seemed on the verge of sailing to victory.

Kobras coach Jermaine Slater after a bit with Burnett out, got his rotation right again and brought on Elijah David and it proved a master stroke as him, along with Carlos Edwards, who finished the night with 22 points, kept them in the game.

Colts led by Oquacey Short with 12 points and Thomas’ 16 points made sure they kept a healthy lead but David would catch a fire with three minutes left in the contest, reducing a 10 point lead to almost topple the reigning champions who held on to take a narrow one point victory.

Colts will begin their Jaguar conference finals against the undefeated Eagles next Saturday with the winner meeting the best team in the Harpy Eagles Conference final, for the overall One Guyana League title.

Over in the Harpy Eagles Conference final, Ravens pipped Kwakwani Untouchables in the first of their 3-game series 70-59.

Ravens point guard and captain, Dominic Vincente led his team along with Jude Corlette to a comfortable victory.

They started cold, being down at the end of the first period 11-9 but found their touch in the second period to lead 32-27 at the break
Kwakwani’s Jamal Gilkes was their best scorer with 13 points with Rayon Short 10 points and Kadeem Dover 8.

Kwakwani’s best performer in their first-round playoff series Domair Gladstone had an underwhelming showing with 9 points.

After Ravens second quarter rout they never trailed again in the clash to claim the 11 points win.

Ravens Corlette was the night’s best player with a game high 20 points as they easily closed out the win to go 1-up in the best of three Harpy Eagles’ conference finals.