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There’s a new ‘President’ in basketball’s Premier League.
Pinelands held off a stiff challenge from the Station Hill Cavaliers to deservedly capture the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association’s (BABA) President’s Cup with a thrilling 101-95 win last night.
Most Valuable Player Deroni Hurley had a game-high 27 points and 10 steals, with the final two steals being crucial to his team’s victory, as Pinelands scored on all of those possessions to open up a 10-point lead in the final minutes of the game.
In an interview with Barbados TODAY moments after the victory, Hurley said Pinelands had planned for any eventuality and knew all they had to do was to keep their composure.
“I really enjoyed the game. We have been blowing out teams during the season and Station Hill gave us a challenge, but we were prepared. We just kept our composure even when they went up two or four. We just had to keep our head on and we knew we would win the game.” said the Pinelands guard.
Hurley also gave notice to the league that the so far unbeaten Pinelands unit now had its eyes set on capturing the Premier League title.
The Cavs produced a stellar defensive effort, and led by Joel Hunte did a good job in denying Pinelands’ star player Deveron Knight the ball around the basket. Their swarming defense forced Pinelands to rely mainly on shooting and they were unable to take advantage of many open looks from beyond the arc.
The strategy allowed the Cavs to lead 16-10 midway through the first quarter and 22-18 at the end of the first period. It was the first time all season that a team had led Pinelands at the end of any quarter in a game.
However, as expected, Pinelands came roaring back to retake the lead after two minutes in the second quarter, with a putback dunk by semi-pro player Rasheed Maynard giving them a 25-24 advantage.
The Adrian Craigwell-coached Cavs made an offensive adjustment by attacking the basket on every play, putting pressure on Pinelands’ defense.
The move kept them in the game and they trailed by just two (44-46) at the half.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with Pinelands holding a slim 70-67 lead heading into the final 10 minutes, with all to play for.
With five minutes remaining in the contest, the Cavs were in the hunt for one of the biggest upsets of the season, as they clung to a 76-74 lead. But led by Hurley, Pinelands worked their way back into the game and tied the score at 80 with 4:32 left.
It was at this time that Hurley and Rachad Hall took over for Pinelands.
Two important steals by Hurley were converted into layups and Hall scored four crucial points after finishing strongly at the rim.
Those baskets increased Pinelands’ lead to 10 (97-87) lead with just over a minute remaining. Hurley then fittingly sealed the win at the free throw line by sinking both shots.
For the winners, Maynard finished with 20 points, Derion Hurley had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Deveron Knight had 14 points.
Saeed Norville led the Cavaliers with 23 points, Dijon Hunte scored 19, Joel Hunte added 14 points and Darren Hunte and Brandon Ruck each scored 10 points.
(OS)