MARIST MARCHES ON
The Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs co-sponsored basketball tournament reached the semi- final stages yesterday with the men’s and women’s semi-final matches played out.
Marist quickly established a six points lead as they looked to secure a grand final spot in the first quarter.
But Blazers were not to be counted out as the former HBL Champions fought back to finish the second quarter 21-23, Marist leading.
Allen Wane was superb for Marist on the rebound and two points baskets while Sammy Gwali was instrumental for Blazers, spearheading the fight back.
There was strong support for Blazers in the third quarter as they looked to take revenge on Marist following their 3x3 basketball final loss to Marist last Friday.
Blazers managed to go up front with an Alexander McFadden Mataki three points from downtown for a temporarily 26-25 lead over Marist before Waige Turueke reclaimed the lead for Marist with a three points basket of his own to see Marist leading Blazers 33-30.
Two three points basket from Blazers saw them extending their scores to 36 points after Marist extended theirs to 38 points.
Trailing by two, Blazers searched for points, tightening their defence as Marist looked to keep possession of the ball.
They managed to find three more points in the fourth quarter, but could not find enough with the heavy presence of John Maneniaru in defense mode for Marist.
Marist managed to collect 10 more points in the fourth quarter to see them defeat Travel Blazers 44-36 at full time.
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final that was played yesterday, Gunners defeated Pinoy 62-38 to set up a grand final meet with QQQ Marist.
Ends//
By Taromane Martin (Island Sun)
In the women’s division semis, Sun Rise women’s basketball team defeated D-Fenders 56-40 while Andel defeated SOSA 45-44 in the second semis of the women’s division.
Andel will wait to meet Sun Rise in the women’s grand finals, while Marist will meet Gunners in the men’s finals.
Meanwhile, the 2016 Gender Parity Basketball competition grand final will take place a fortnight from now.
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