The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@trbunemedia.net

The PJ Stingers now find themselves in the driver’s seat and could win their first New Providence Basketball Association men’s championship title at the AF Adderley Gymnasium tonight.

On Wednesday night, the Stingers took a commanding 3-1 lead over the first year Patron Regulators with an impressive 99-87 victory after shooting 45 per cent from the field, compared to 37 per cent from their rivals. PJ also had a 33-9% advantage from the three-point line and 73-50% from the free throw line. However, Patron won the battle on the boards with a 54-47% in the rebound category and they had two more turnovers 26-24 compared to their opponents.

League president Keith ‘Belzee’ Smith said the series is living up to its advanced billing.

“I thought it would be a very balanced and highly competitive championship,” he said. “I think, not withstanding the fact that the Stingers are up 3-1, it’s been a very competitive championship series. I think it will continue to be that way and I expect the coaches to make the adjustments.

“In a series like this, you have to be able to look at the mistakes that you are making and try to do better, so you have to make the adjustments. The team that makes the most adjustment will advance to the championship. I think the Stingers are fortunate, but they deserve to be up 3-1. But I don’t think the Regulators are thinking that it’s over yet, so hold onto your seat and get ready for a bumpy ride this weekend.”

The Stingers, coached by Lavardo Bowleg and Moses Johnson, rode the all-around effort from Able Joseph, who in 37 minutes exploded for 30 points, shooting 12-for-19 from the field, 3-for-8 from behind the three-point arch and 3-for-4 from the free throw line to lead a balanced scoring attack that saw four other players finish in double figures.

Devon Ferguson had 18 points, six rebounds and three assists, Daniel Bullard came off the bench and scored 15 points and nine rebounds, Batchlette LaFleur had 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists and Kendrick Curry had 10 points. Kemsey Sylvetre helped out with eight and Vernon Stubbs chipped in with six.

Cordero Thompson had his best game of the series, scoring 31 points with eight rebounds in 29 minutes after he went 13-of-18 from the field and 5-for-10 from the free throw line, leading two other players in double figures in a losing effort. Gamaliel Rose had 22 points, 18 rebounds, nine assists and six block shots, but it wasn’t enough for the Regulators.

Patron, coached by Don ‘Robo’ Dorsette, also got 10 points with four rebounds from Alex Rolle, Simon Cruz had nine points with seven rebounds and Fabian Lightbourne added nine points as well.

The Stingers won the opener 116-114 in overtime before the Regulators bounced back to level the series at 1-1 with a 101-97 win.

However, the Stingers took game three 101-89 and now seem poised to complete the series with their third straight victory.

If the Regulators win tonight, they will force a sixth game on Saturday night. If necessary, the seventh and deciding game will be played on Monday. Game time is 8:30pm.

The winner of the series will go on to represent New Providence in the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s National Round Robin Tournament next weekend in Bimini.

“We were disappointed that the championship got away from New Providence last year when Grand Bahama won it,” Smith said. “But I’m confident that whoever wins the New Providence championship will have a good chance to go to Bimini and get the title back.”

During the tournament, the BBF is also scheduled to hold its election of officers. Incumbent Charlie ‘Softly’ Robins will be seeking another three-year term in office.