BDA Basketball Association Playoffs Continue
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Following some drama filled action in the semi-final round of the ‘Final Four’ of the Bermuda Basketball Association [BBA] Elite City League [ECL] the post-season has reached its zenith moment with two lone franchises, Storm and Falcons, now situated for battle to either retain or first earn right to the title of ECL champions, which is sponsored by Atlantic Vision and One Communications.
Falcons, the reigning and defending champs reaffirmed their boast with a decisive 57-41 defeat of rumoured challengers Hornets, who impaled themselves by showing up with a five-man squad, absent any substitutes, which excluded depth and proved their ultimate death-knell at Bermuda College Gymnasium.
And while they were able to hang close to their opponents for near three quarters, their lack of rest and recovery time throughout the contest eventually wore them down to inefficiency, allowing Falcons to extend their point advantage in the latter stages. Then once Hornets were reduced to fielding just four active players, the deal was sealed completely.
The Falcons were led to victory by Jason Lowe who had a game high 26 points, while the Hornets got 18 points from Darae Smith.
Game 2 of the night saw the Storm upset betting favourites Fort Knox Panthers 43-36 to earn a deserved spot in the final, relying on a complete team effort and led by 14 points from Akil Smith.
Panthers were burdened by the in game loss of primary point-guard Ronald Bushner to a hamstring strain or pull and this told in their offence, which struggled to find its usual rhythm in the absence of its floor general.
Storm stretched out early in the game leaving Panthers constantly in a catch-up position they were never able to overcome, and the loss of 6’6” center Dean Jones did not help the Panthers’ cause.
Storm went from a three point lead to a seven point advantage after Panthers intentionally fouled and were called for a flagrant foul that Storm converted for two points plus ball possession and a made field goal meant the end for Panthers’ season.
Panthers got 10 points from Shannon Thompson.
The final commences as a best-of-three series at Bermuda College on Wednesday evening between Falcons and Storm.
