by: Charleston Gladden
On Saturday, June 3, was Game 3 and the final game of the NEBL Finals with both Belmopan Bandits and San Pedro Tiger Sharks chasing their dream that they’ve set out from the beginning of the season. This final game is a pivotal game for both teams where Belmopan Bandits are in search for their first NEBL championship on enemy grounds and being the second team to defeat San Pedro Tiger Sharks. Meanwhile for San Pedro Tiger Sharks, they’re looking to silence all their doubters and go forth on to win their 3rd NEBL Championship in four years.
From the tip, Belmopan Bandits were on the attack dominating on both ends of the court and started off the game with seven straight points. It was until midway of the first quarter, that San Pedro Tiger Sharks found their offensive power and they were able to rally from nothing to take a slim lead. Unfortunately, Belmopan Bandits were able to themselves to be on top at the end of the first quarter with the score settled at 18 – 17. While in the second quarter, it was a see-saw affair in the early portions. Then finally, Belmopan Bandits decide to turn up their scoring intensity and took their lead up 14. Ending the first half with a score of 44 – 30. In the second half, Belmopan Bandits maintained their lead as time quickly began to tick down for both teams as to see who’ll be crowned a champion. Belmopan Bandits began to lose their defensive composure and as a result giving San Pedro Tiger Sharks the opportunity to return back into the ball game to eventually take the lead. That lead was short-lived when Devin Daly of Belmopan Bandits took matters into in his own hands and rallied his team out of the hole; letting them prevail over San Pedro Tiger Sharks on the road with a score of 75 – 67 and making Belmopan Bandits the new NEBL Champions.
Player of the game and finals MVP goes to newcomer, Devin Daly of Belmopan Bandits, finishing with a game-high of 25 points and 6 rebounds; while averaging 19.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG in this year’s finals. Other contributing players for Belmopan Bandits were Edgar Mitchell with 12 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Richard Smith III and Stephen Williams both chipped in with 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Top players for San Pedro Tiger Sharks were Jamal Kelly with a team high of 20 points and 6 rebounds performance coming off the bench. George Williams with 19 points and 4 rebounds. Raul Roches checked in with a double-double of 13 rebounds and 11 points.