The University of Guyana (UG) emerged victorious after they edged out the previously-undefeated Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the closing minutes of the final period to take the first-ever Tertiary Basketball League title back to Turkeyen Campus.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle hands over the third-place trophy to New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI)
UG Coach Warren Wilson said he was ecstatic the players were able to have a taste of the grand finale and more so win against an undefeated opponent.
Playing in front of an almost full Cliff Anderson Sports Hall crowd – which included the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr and the Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle – the University team held their nerve for a 69-66 win. Shaquawn Gill, who walked away with the Fireside Grill and Suites Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy and a pair of sneakers, finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for an overall tournament average of 25.6 points and 12. 4 rebounds. However, he got some much-needed help in the final from the talented Timothy Richmond (17 points, 10 rebounds); Thariq Duncan (12 points, 6 rebounds) and Craig Harlequin (8 points and 15 rebounds). For GTI, Royon Shortt top-scored with 20 points and seven rebounds, but missed seven critical free throws down the stretch, Josiah Roberts had 17 points, including five threes, and Kobe Tappin finished with an uncharacteristically-meagre 11 points and five rebounds.
Shaquawn Gill emerged as the MVP with an overall tournament average of 25.6 points and 12. 4 rebounds
After the high-intensity match-up, when asked his view on the result, Coach Wilson said, “First of all, thanks be to God for His goodness. I’m extremely happy, more so for the players, as this was [for] most of [them], their first time playing in a final and to be able to win it is amazing. Ever since we walked off the floor after the semi-finals the guys were locked in and ready to work, it was amazing. What I hope it means is that the administration of UG will take note that there are coaches and players ready to put UG on the map and make the necessary decisions to have a comprehensive programme. Most of our training was outdoors and so the weather was a real hamper at times. Kudos to the organisers for a great tournament.”
The victorious University of Guyana
In the third-place game, the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) outlasted the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) 67 points to 66 points to take some hardware back to the Ancient County. Charles Williams led with 21 points and eight rebounds, Kadeem Dover had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Qwesi Joseph nine points and 11 rebounds. For LTI, Shamar Savory finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds, Jemol Semple 18 points, and Gaius George 14 points.
Coach Warren Wilson holds his trophy with pride after UG defeated the undefeated GTI
Following the game, Minister Ramson Jr congratulated the teams for their effort and also the organisers for the successful staging of the inaugural Tertiary Basketball League, after which he, along with the Director of Sport, presented the first- and second-place awards. The third-place award was presented by Edward B Beharry and Company Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers.
The Tertiary Basketball League was sponsored by the National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, Fireside Grill and Suites, and Banks DIH Ltd.
