One Guyana Basketball Premier League

DEFENDING champion of the One Guyana Basketball Premier League, North Ruimveldt Ravens took a five point’s win in game 3 of their best of three series on Thursday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to earn a spot in the final and defend their national crown.

Ravens had won the opening clash in the series narrowly 62-61 but were blown away in game 2 by Pacesetters 80-58.

The champions, playing the deciding contest on Thursday evening brought their A-game and put in a sterling effort to come out on top 73-68 for a shot to defend their title.

They led at the end of the first quarter by 2 points 15-13 but Pacesetters managed to level the scores at the half 27-27.

Nikkoloi Smith led the scoring with 19 points as Ravens stepped on the gas in the third quarter to pull away by 10 buckets 57-47.

Ryan Stephaney put in a fine 17 points showing with Jude Corlette also returning to record 17 points.

Walman Delgado had 19 for Pacesetters who fought to retain the momentum but Ravens rode the wave all the way to the final buzzer as they finished with a 5 points win 73-68.

Meanwhile Ravens will have to battle against Victory Valley Royals in the finals.

The Linden side stopped Bounty Colts 96-86, after their series also went the distance to game 3.

Royals won the first game in the semifinals 78-65 before losing game two 78-64.

The put in a superior showing in the final clash on Thursday to win it by 10 points.

Royals started with the hot hands leading by 3, 21-19 Colts halted the advantage to tie the scores 44-44 at the half.

Royals top player Harold Adams who has led their offence all season stepped up with his highest score for this year’s league with 39 points.

Colts had 25 from Shelroy Thomas and 20 from Domitre Rankin but it was to no avail as Royals converted their third quarter lead of 74-67 into a victory as they closed it out 96-86.

The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and National Sports Commission.

The League’s regular season featured 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country battling for bragging rights, a million dollars and the coveted national club league trophy.