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The JSC Sports Complex hosted two thrilling Division 2 Playoff matchups on Tuesday evening in the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association, with both Flyers and Fearless Crew securing nail-biting victories to extend their respective series to decisive Game Three showdowns.
In the opening contest, Flyers rallied from a five-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to defeat Old Road Daggers 75-71 behind Amare Browne‘s stellar 26-point performance.
The Flyers led narrowly at halftime (38-37) before the Daggers seized control in the third period, taking a 53-48 advantage into the final frame. However, the Flyers responded with a dominant 27-16 fourth quarter to claim victory and keep their championship hopes alive.
Naheem Joseph added 13 points for the winners, while Shavaun Francis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. For the Daggers, Tyndale Telemaque led with 17 points, Kedar Clarke contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Kelvin Simon grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds.
Moreover, the nightcap provided even more drama, as Fearless Crew survived a furious comeback and missed a free throw in the final seconds to edge Spanish Heat by a single point, 71-70.
The dynamic duo of Takeem Martin and Rafiki Harris carried Fearless Crew, with Martin scoring a game-high 26 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, while Harris delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists.
After building a comfortable 37-26 halftime advantage, Fearless Crew found themselves on the wrong end of a 25-13 third-quarter surge by Spanish Heat, who took a one-point lead (51-50) into the final period.
The tension reached its peak in the game’s final moments when Spanish Heat’s Sandy Valdez went to the free-throw line for three shots with just eight seconds remaining and his team trailing by three points. Valdez made the first two free throws to cut the deficit to a single point but missed the potential game-tying third attempt. Harris secured the crucial defensive rebound to seal the victory for Fearless Crew.
Spanish Heat was led by Jesus Emmanuel with 22 points, while Rohland Hamilton recorded a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds.
Game Three of both series is scheduled for Saturday evening at the JSC Sports Complex, with the Fearless Crew and Spanish Heat tipping off at 6:45 PM, followed by Flyers and Daggers at 8:30pm.
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