Sean Woods aka 'Chino' of Bayside Blazers catches his markers from Momentum flat-footed inside the arch during their playoff game on Saturday, 26, 2019. Photo: VINO

Despite lacking a bench, Momentum put up a spirited challenge against Bayside Blazers on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Photo: VINO

Romain Minott (with ball) on the attack against Medics on October 26, 2019. Photo: VINO

Action in the game between Pure Playaz and Medics at the Save the Seed Energy Centre on October 26, 2019. Photo: VINO

Final scores for the games played in the Playoff Round of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League on October 26, 2019. Photo: VINO

Defending champions Bayside Blazers and 79 advanced via a clean sweep of Momentum and Splash Brothers respectively at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom, Tortola, at the weekend.

Skillful Ballers vs DA 3RD

Skillful Ballers also made it past the Best of Three first round playoff after DA 3RD forfeited their second game due to misconduct on Friday, October 25, 2019.

Skillful Ballers were leading 40-34 in the 3^rd quarter of their first playoff game when the referees called off the game.

In accordance with FIBA rules, DA 3RD had to forfeit their second match, which meant automatic elimination.

Bayside Blazers vs Momentum

In the first playoff game on Friday, October 25, 2019, Bayside Blazers broke Momentum 92-72 with a game high 29 from Aubrey S. Daniel (13 rebounds) and 18 from Tavon J. Phillip.

The loss seemed to have knocked the fighting spirit out of Momentum as they showed up for the second game on Saturday, October 26, 2019 without a bench.

The die-hard few that showed up for Momentum; however, took the fight to Bayside Blazers and gave a good account of themselves by keeping it a close game, at least up to the third quarter. Bayside Blazers only led by five points, 45-40, at half time and by seven points at the end of the third quarter, 69-62.

The lack of a bench; however, took its toll heavily in the fourth quarter and led to frustration in the Momentum camp. In the heat of the battle a Momentum player punched a player from Bayside Blazers in the face. Both players were eventually thrown out of the game; however, it was Momentum who felt it the most as they were left with only four players to complete the game.

With a bridge too far, Momentum eventually had to give up the ghost, losing 79-99.

79 vs Splash Brothers

Former champions Splash Brothers, sorely missing their talisman player Shamoii A. Dagou, lost the first playoff game to 79 by 15 points, 67-82.

Xavier Richards top scored for 79 with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Ashield Frett of Splash Brothers netted 18 points.

In game 2, Splash Brothers gave a better account of themselves but the task against 79 was too much as they eventually lost 77-85.

Kadeem Jones (17 points) and Xavier Richards (16 points) were the chief scorers for 79. Ashield Frett had a game high 21 points and Jamoii Dagou 20 in a losing effort.

Pure Playaz on their way to 2^nd Round of playoffs

Meanwhile, Pure Playaz are well on their way to a clean sweep against Medics, taking the first game 111-60 on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Romain Minott led the Pure Playaz scoring with 21 points, including a 3 point cameo in the final quarter to add salt into the wounds of Medics.

Khalid Gerard (19 points) and Bodean Samuel (15 points and 10 rebounds) gave strong support to the Pure Playaz onslaught, as did Nixon Hamilton who pulled a whopping 18 rebounds.

Daniel Findley top scored for Medics with 18 points.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom.

Jr Bayside Blazers vs High Speed

In the lone Junior Division game at the weekend, Jr Bayside Blazers stopped High Speed, 62-18.

Jahdique S. Windchester (12 points), Shakoy C. O'Niel (11) and Jelani M. Lewis (10) were the main scorers for Jr Bayside Blazers.

Kilive Durante top scored for High Speed with 8 points.