The first half ended with Bucs up 43-35. The 4th quarter saw Hitters making their usual 4th quarter run to close the double digit advantage to come within striking distance behind the exceptional play of guard Marlon “Jah Love” Powell.  However the Ghaut Bucs kept their composure and the experienced Kemo Liburd who was the “A” division MVP in 2009 kept Hitters out of the game with some critical shots in the dying moments of the 4th quarter. The final score saw Ghaut Bucks winning their first game of their first SKABA Finals appearance 89-80.

Bucs guard and former National Player Tamboura “Tamby” Caines was the Player of the Game with 27 points 4 rebs , 3 assists, 5 stls. Kemo Liburd assisted well with 19 pts, 9 rebs and 2 blks.

Hitters guard Marlon “Jah Love” Powell led all scorers with a game high 32 points and 3 rebs while teammate Sylvester “Buzz” Whyte supported well with 9 pts and 9 rebs.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday at 8pm at Basketball City.

In the opening match-up on Tuesday evening the Horsford’s Rootsie avoided relegation to the ‘A” division when the comfortably defeated the Conaree Fireballs 73-65.

Rootsie guard Donald “Chaney” Caines was the player of the game with 22 pts, 6 rebs, 3 assists, 5 stls while teammate Scotty TYSON had 9 pts and 7 rebs.

Conaree was led by the indominable Harold Wharton who led all scorers with

26 pts, 9rebs, 4 stls and Kevin Forster gave good support with 10 pts.

This means that the Ghetto Roots Club will once again be the only organization in SKABA which features 2 teams in the Premier Division. The “A’ division finals begins on Thursday at 6:30pm with Game 1 of the best of 3 series between Cayon Lions and Challengers Exodus.