British Virgin Islands - Basics snatch double OT, 103-96, thriller from Jr. Mystics

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There are two girls playing the BVI Basketball Federation league and one has already made an impact. Tamara Phillips was the deciding factor in Basics’ double overtime, 103-96 victory over three-time defending champions Virgin Gorda Jr. Mystics, highlighting Saturday’s league opener.

After tying the game at 90-90 by making one of two free throws with 2.7 seconds left to force overtime, Phillips made seven of 10 free throws in the double overtime period to give Basics their first time victory over the defending Jr. division champs. Phillips, who finished with 11 points, made three of Jr. Mystics’ players foul out in the double OT period.

“This is just a repeat of the championships and it shows the caliber of both teams," Basics’ coach Keith “88” Malone said. “I think West (Trevor Stevens) is doing a good job with the Virgin Gorda team and we are just trying to win a championship from them.”

The Jr. Mystics trailed 51-24 at half time before outscoring Basics, 51-33 to get back into the game over the second half. Kyle Abraham was the leading scorer with 27 points and 12 boards. Jareem Todman followed up with a 25 point and 19 rebound double double. He was 13 of 28 from the line. Jamal Serrant added another 13 points, 12 rebounds and six steals to the tally.

Coy Dore and Jevon Demming had the Mystics’ top scorer with 22 and 20 points respectively. Lee Evans Jacobs and Iron Young followed up with 12 points each, with Young also snatching a game high 22 boards.

Malone said he always tell Tamara—who plays with her sister Tafara—that they are aggressive when they play against girls but, usually, go in a shell when they face the guys.

“But, tonight she showed me that she can do it against the guys, so you are going to see a lot more from those girls,” he assured. “This win was important to rebuild the team’s confidence, following our loss in the championships. Basics will always be a factor and so will Mystics, but the win was important to set the tempo for the season.”

Halstead Chiverton and Douron Phillips had 25 and 25 points each, to lead the East past the Bad Boys, 101-88, in the senior game. Phillips also had nine rebounds. David “Bolo” Lettsome added another 19 to the tally, while new comer Devon “Judah” Watty narrowly missed a double double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Nathaniel Malone and Kelvin Samuel were the Bad Boys’ top scorers with 23 and 19 points. Eustace “Boss” Freeman narrowly missed a double, double with 14 points and eight rebounds to go with four blocks.

Activities began with Virgin Gorda trimming Tortola, 28-25, and a 9-12 division exhibition game. Michael Benjamin was Virgin Gorda’s leading scorer with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Kevin Bodkin had Tortola’s top score, with 11 points, eight rebounds and four steals.