United halt Urban Fox in Kerema men’s final

KEREMA Basketball Association underdogs United tamed hot favourites Urban Fox 67-58 in the grand final on Sunday.
In the women’s final, Urban Fox were too strong for Kerema Coronation Secondary School, handing them a 38-17 thrashing.
Urban Fox, who were minor premiers in both divisions, failed to capture double major honours as United spoilt the party for them in the men’s game.
It was the first basketball grand final in the Gulf capital after a 10-year break and was witnessed by a capacity crowd.
United brushed off the underdogs tag to force the opposition with effective defence and quick off the mark attack to sink baskets time and again.
Urban Fox were in contention but backed off as pressure mounted midway through final two quarters and their catch-up attempts failed.
Gulf Isapea winger Jarred Mauru was in devastating form, netting 19 points.
Urban Fox’s Michael Akia (15), Tony Steven (14) and Russell Morehari (12) were unable to accomplish attacking in the crucial stages and handed a nine-point margin.
The women’s showdown was one-sided as Urban Fox cruised home easily as Pipi Akia, who scored a game-high 14  points, was ably supported by captain Miriam Soro, Alice Tai, Rachel Akia and Taraly John. KCSS captain Dairy Rodney, Elisabeth Saroa, Rebecca Ipai and Elisabeth Ipai were outplayed from the first quarter and did not recover in the one-sided affair, going down with 21-point deficit.
Kerema Basketball Association president Aisi Aua appealed to the provincial government and business houses to support basketball for the junior development in Under-18, U15 and U13 to secure the the foundation of the association’s future and the province..