SURINAME (FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers) - The opening game of the day saw some action from Antigua and Barbuda facing Montserrat. It was a level playing field but Antigua were more accurate with their shots and won the game eventually with 87 - 66. Cohen Jr. Zantaya Desouza (15 points), Vivian Destin (12 points) and Lennox McCoy (10 points) were essential in the victory of the Antigua. Their teamplay is excellent know to rotate the ball quickly and make effective use of their athletic ability in the air.

Montserrat didn’t start the game well and closed the first quarter with an 8 point deficit. During the game they focussed on three pointers but only made 6 out of 28 reaching 21% accuracy. Their best performance came through Noel Weekes who made 24 points in total. In the third quarter their opponents outscored them another 8 points and this was too much to recover from.

With 2 wins out 2 games, Antigua need to secure a third win to be certain they have a spot in the next round.

We witnessed great determination and endurance in the game between Barbados and Bermuda. The final score 87 - 78 in favor of Barbados does not tell the full story. Bermuda played with only 6 men due to the rest of their squad not being allowed to play due to FIBA licensing requirements. After the first half Bermuda was, surprising enough, leading with 7 points. Due to having one sub only they couldn’t keep up with the level of play and saw them stumble in the third quarter. They tried to make a comeback, but their players were tired and fatigue took its toll on the team.

Christopher Emils Crumpler stepped up and led Bermuda’s side in scoring having a great impact on the score. Jason Lowe also made a good 23 points and made a double double with 11 his rebounds. The coach stated that he is disappointed in the way how regulations are being processed; Due to this he couldn’t get his full squad to play, and they gave everything they had, knowing the have a rest day tomorrow.

The Barbadian coach said seeing the opponents having lesser options on the field they needed to cruise the match to a victory. They stayed calm and played on the endurance of the opponents; they knew Bermuda had to eventually give in. After gaining the advantage in the third quarter they kept it in their hands and claimed the win. They feel that they still have to establish their game and play a strong tournament. Their top scorer was Akeem Marsh with a double double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Barbados needed the win to stay in the competition, they need to secure the following games in order to make it to the next round. Given the circumstances of Bermuda is will be difficult for them to secure enough wins to advance in the tournament.

The game between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana will be remembered for years to come. The match ended in a dramatic win for Guyana after double-overtime and a final score of 102 - 104. Both teams were highly competitive and went to the extra mile to bring the victory home. St. Vincent started strong after the first quarter with an advantage of 8 points. At halftime they fought hard to maintain the advantage and closed the half at 46 - 38. Stanton rose made the difference in the third quarter and secured 10 points for his side; With support of his other teammates they leveled the score at 62 - 62 at the end of the quarter. In the fourth quarter St. Vincent and the Grenadines were heading for victory with just a 2 point advantage. Harold Adams brought a halt to their celebration by scoring a jump shot with 29 seconds to game and leveling the score. St. Vincent couldn’t find the net after the pressing defense in the last seconds thus the game went into overtime.

In overtime both teams scored and impressive 15 points each. In the last seconds of the quarter Stanton Rose of Guyana brought the ball out-of-bounds and enabled St. Vincent to make the turnover count. Dameon Ottley got a chance at the bucket and the crowd went crazy when they saw his lay-up go in. The match went to double-overtime! In the second overtime, with 3 minutes to go, the score stayed level at 100 - 100. Stanton Rose was once again the hero and scored 2 points; hereafter he got hold of the ball in the defense and passed it away to reach Ray Victor who made a successful lay-up. In the last 90 seconds of the game Guyana pressed St. Vincent enough to claim the victory with 104 - 102.

The top performers of St. Vincent in the match were Sean Baptiste (26 points), Phillip Lawrence-Ricks with a double double (16 points and 11 rebounds) and Chrisford Telesford also with a double double (17 points, 15 rebounds). On the side of Guyana Stanton Rose made a record score of 41 points and got good support from Ray Victor (15 points) and Anthony Moe (13 points).

The battle was level between the host Suriname and Grenada. Suriname took a head start in the first quarter with a 9 point advantage. They couldn’t hold on too long on this and saw Grenada coming back hard in the second quarter to level the score at 33 - 33. The third quarter was level but Suriname managed to gain a small advantage of 4 points going into the last quarter. In the last quarter Grenada didn’t capitalize when Suriname failed on finding the net for 4 consecutive minutes. Suriname stayed with a minimal advantage of 3 points and held on to his with 27 seconds to go in the match. Safiero Fraser of Suriname couldn’t prevent a steal by Daniel Regisdue with 9 seconds to go into the game, the pass landed at Jonathan Williams, and he was fouled in his 3-point attempt. He received 3 free-throws and remained calm and scored them perfectly, the score was now level at 67 - 67.

Suriname took a time-out having ball possession and 2 seconds to go into the game. The players approached the court and saw the ball being passed around outside of the 3-point and handed to Gylan Watamaleo who was freeing himself just outside the paint. When he got the ball 2 players of Grenada were closing in, and he was forced to shoot a floater beating the buzzer; beyond all expectations the ball went in and Suriname won the game with 69 - 67! The crowd went crazy seeing their home team win and the energy could be felt by everyone at the venue.

Daniel Regis of Grenada played a magnificent game with his 21 points and 12 rebounds, securing a double double. He got aid also from Jonathan Williams (23 points). On the other side the local hero Gylan Watamaleo managed to make 13 points followed by Xavier Elburg with 12 points.

Suriname have 2/2 and in order to qualify directly for the next round they need a win in their next game against St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Grenanda incurred their first loss in the tournament and need to win their following games as well.

FIBA