LINDEN Technical Institute (LTI) showed their calm and skill on Sunday at the National Gymnasium to walk away winners, after beating defending champions, University of Guyana Trojans, 79-70 in the Tertiary Basketball League Finals.
Linden Technical Institute going into the match as the undefeated side had their work cut out for them against the Champions and crowd favourites.
The sizable crowd gave UG the impetus as they egged them on with every shot as they came out of the blocks stronger to lead 21-12 in the first quarter.
LTI would pull it back a bit in the second period but still trailed by 6, 42-36. The linden side which has dominated all in its path seem to have found its sternest challenges against the champions in the final.
Jushawn Bailey was phenomenal as he dropped more than 20 points by half time in an awesome display but LTI combined to get back into the game.
Kimol Grimmond who had led his team superbly in offensive, played the role of facilitator for his teammates.
The move proved genius as they had four players in double digits including Grimmond.
Stephen George- 17 points, 5 rebounds, Leron Joseph- 12 points, 11 rebounds and Neil Marks – 12 points, 5 rebounds all delivered for their team to tie it up in the third 59-59.
The final period saw the once energetic UG side looking tired, as LTI started to move ahead, the familiar panic seem to set in for the University side
UG’s Bailey would continue to ball regardless putting in a MVP worthy performance to finish with 38 points. UG’s Malachi Grimmond also played well to finish with 19 Points and 8 Rebounds.
However despite coming in champions UG didn’t boast the calm assurance and LTI smoothly claw their way back into the contest before taking the lead quarter way through the final period.
They would never trail again completing the win 79-70 after the final whistle to collect the winning purse and trophy.
LTI Kimol Grimmond was adjudged the tournament’s MVP, the tournament was sponsored by Edward B. Beharry Ltd and G-Boats GY
