BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Bird Rock Uprisers officially opened the LIME St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association’s (SKABA) Junior Division in winning fashion on Tuesday evening (Mar. 9) by defeating Molineux Strivers 67-60.
From the start, Uprisers controlled the pace of the game through a solid defensive control and led at the half 37-23.
Strivers bounced back in the second half thanks to a high-scoring effort from Vincent Saddler, who ended the game with 27 points, but Uprisers was able to withstand the late charge.
Tajh Chapman was also crucial to Strivers’ efforts as he pulled in 14 rebounds and added ten points to help close the gap.
Bird Rock, meanwhile, was led in scoring by Xavier Greaux and Vere Connor, who each had 16 points. The pair also picked up two and three turnovers, respectively, to maintain Uprisers’ lead through the final minutes.
Dermaine and Melvin Rawlins led in rebounds for the winners with five and nine, respectively, while also adding eight points apiece.
The game marked the official opening of the LIME SKABA Junior Division after the previously scheduled opening on Sunday night was rained out.
The original season opening game between Rams Junior Hitters and O.D. Brisbane Sandy Point Fruta Falcons has been rescheduled to this evening (Mar. 11) at 8 p.m. at Basketball City. A high intensity clash is expected from the teams, as Hitters will be looking to avenge their 2009 finals defeat against the four-peat Junior Division champions.
Prior to that match tonight, 2009 final four team Blue Devils will start their season by taking on Newton Ground at 6:30 p.m.
