VICTORY Valley Royals, long known for their basketball prowess in the mining town of Linden, came out on top in a Linden versus Georgetown affair at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Game Two of the One Guyana Basketball Premier League finals.

North Ruimveldt Ravens, who defeated Stabroek Ballers in the 2024 edition to take the inaugural title, topped their conference playoffs against the odds this year to earn a chance to defend their title against powerhouses Victory Valley Royals.

Ravens were hoping for another momentous comeback after losing the opener of the Best of Three playoff series, 74-70.

However, Royals had other plans, showing passion and aggression after the opening whistle to lead by 5 points, 20-15, as they sought to capture the Club title.

At the end of the first half, it seemed like it was an open-and-shut case, with Royals putting in a monster performance to stretch the lead, 42-28, going into the break-up by 14.

Ravens’ Nikolai Smith stepped up as they closed the gap in the third to one point, 57-56, with Smith recording 25 points.

Ryan Stephney also put in a vintage showing with 18 points, with 13 from Jude Corlette.

Royals, led by their top scorer in the League, Harold Adams, showed they were a force to reckon with as Adams had a game-high 31 points to keep Ravens at bay.

Adams led a fourth-quarter rout, along with Yannick Tappin (14) and Orlan Glasgow (17) to change the momentum and eclipse Ravens in the seven-point victory, which effectively ended the three-match series.

Meanwhile, in the clash for third place, Bounty Colts defeated Pacesetters, 88-82.

The month-long league was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission, and organised by the Guyana Basketball Foundation.

The League’s regular season featured 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country.

The Royals, for capturing the One Guyana Title, now have bragging rights, a million dollars in cash, and the coveted national club league trophy.