T&D live up to tag, down Faiwol in final

 Training and Development (T&D) lived up to its billing as the champions of Tabubil Corporate Basketball following their 43-38 victory over Faiwol Investors on Sunday.

The Garry Lee Cup defending champions were given a scare in the final quarter when Faiwol’s three point specialist turned up the heat in the dying minutes.

Owen Dere proved a big threat for T&D when he slotted four three pointers to bring the margin within reach, but time ran out giving the champions a five point win.

T&D’s Leonard Kasa, Meschach Ndreslan and Jimmy Veneo played a key role in their win while for Faiwol, Dere, Flora Walter, Josen Gilbert, Rancy Ronny and Walker Giawai were outstanding.

In the plate final, Traders, led by Levo brothers Patrick and James and young gun Raymond Vere, smashed HR Aiyoks 36-18.

The match never reached any great heights with HR never really looking to give the highly fancied Traders a good run.

HR missing the services of lanky forward Christopher Tataeng, who was away on break, failed to score baskets when given the golden opportunity.

Nevertheless, HR still put up a good challenge, led by skipper Rolf Maino, Ikoi Samoa, Glenda Kiari and Aries Matherson.

It was a cliff hanger in the bowl final when SMIHL (Star Mountains Investment Holdings Ltd)  came out fighting from a 28 all draw in the fourth quarter to beat Medics 36-35 in extra time.