Set It Off were also lethal from long range. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

High Speed are the C Division Summer Jam champions. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Thanks to a spirited mop up exercise the game was able to continue after a heavy shower disrupted proceedings for more than 30 minutes. Photo: VINO

Heading into the all-important game, the defending champions of the A League found themselves trailing by 9 unanswered points against the home side before they were finally able to open their account with a 3-pointer, however, they trailed 22-12 at the end of the 1st quarter.

Without a Doubt looked keen on not only dethroning Set It Off but in doing so in emphatic fashion as their strategy of running basketball seemed to be working for them and they were soon leading 44-25 at half time.

But the championship game would turn out to be one of two halves as even though Without a Doubt were able to muster a 20 point lead- 50-30- in the 3rd quarter, they were soon out of steam as Set It Off, sensing their opportunity to make their move, suddenly transformed into the champions like they are known to be. It should be mention too that Without a Doubt were affected by the injury of one of their key players, which left the centre wide open and opportunities for easy drives to the basket and rebounds.

Virgin Gordians watched in almost a state of shock as suddenly their high energy side was no more as the tables had turned drastically on the court. The latter part of the 3rd quarter was also marred by easy turnovers from the home team as they continued to try to force the game rather than shifting the pace. Suddenly a 50-30 deficit for Set It Off was 54-46 and then a big three pointer at the start of the 4th quarter spelled trouble for Without a Doubt as the lead was chopped to three points.

For the first time in the game, Set It Off would lead and that was with 7 minutes remaining in the game and the score 56-54. The champions never looked back as they continued to dominate and seemed headed for victory when the heavens opened and sent players and spectators alike running for cover.

It was a heavy shower that threatened to ruin the night for the defending champions but even though it was well into the morning hours, not a spectator exited the venue as they all waited patiently after the rain had stopped. A spirited mopping up exercise would get underway and soon it was time to complete the game which had 2 minutes 18 seconds remaining, the score 67-64, and Without a Doubt with still a chance to take victory.

The script would not be in their favour as Set It Off were able to hold on to the narrowest of victories.

Earlier, Highspeed defeated Come2Defend 58- 42 in the C Division championship.

J. Dagou had a game high 29 points while R. Richardson netted 11. The top scorers for Come2Defend were Stephen Caul (24 points) and Y. Winchesre (14).

Trophies were presented to the players by District 6 Representative Alvera Maduro Caines, who was representing Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn.

The Summer Jam Basketball League received major sponsorship from Delta Petroleum Ltd.

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