Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 3×3 campaign ends in heartbreaking defeat to Nigeria

Guyana’s historic debut at the Commonwealth Games 3×3 BASKETBALL COMPETITION came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday in Glasgow, Scotland, as the national team suffered a dramatic 20-19 defeat to Nigeria in its final Group A match.
The Guyanese, who had opened the tournament with a 21-14 defeat to hosts Scotland before being overwhelmed 21-3 by New Zealand, bounced back in impressive fashion to secure a historic 21-17 victory over the Cayman Islands, the country’s first-ever win in Commonwealth Games 3×3 basketball.
Needing another victory to keep their hopes alive, Guyana produced one of their finest performances of the tournament against the world number 56-ranked Nigerians.

An outstanding offensive display from Anish Ramlall, coupled with a determined defensive effort from Kevin Mickle and Christian Hinckson, kept Guyana within striking distance throughout a fiercely-contested encounter.
Travis Belgrave also delivered when it mattered most, contributing six crucial points.
After Nigeria threatened to pull away midway through the contest, Guyana responded with tremendous resilience.
Ramlall ignited the comeback with consecutive two-point baskets to erase the deficit and level the scores at 19-19, setting up a dramatic finish.
With just five seconds remaining, Nigeria called a timeout and executed a well-designed pick-and-roll play.
Experienced international 3×3 player Marcel Esonwune, despite being tightly guarded by Hinckson, managed to get his shot away at the buzzer, sinking the game-winner to seal a heartbreaking 20-19 victory.
Ramlall finished with a game-high 10 points, while Belgrave added six in a contest that could have gone either way.
Following the match, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Vice President Steve Ninvalle met with the team and praised the players for their spirited performances throughout the competition, expressing his admiration for the way they represented the country on the Commonwealth Games stage.
Although Guyana’s campaign ended at the group stage, the team leave Glasgow with plenty to celebrate.
Beyond recording the nation’s first Commonwealth Games victory in 3×3 basketball, the quartet of Ramlall, Belgrave, Mickle and Hinckson showcased the country’s growing potential in the discipline and laid a strong foundation for future international success.