By Tyriq Walters
In an electrifying match at the National Gymnasium, the Bartica Wranglers claimed their first win in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under-23 League, narrowly defeating the Black Caimans 66-64.
Despite fielding only six players, the Wranglers showcased exceptional resilience and determination.
The Wranglers started strong, outplaying the Caimans 16-13 in the first quarter, setting a solid offensive tone.
They continued their dominance in the second quarter, scoring 15 points to the Caimans’ 11, ending the half with a 31-24 lead.
After halftime, the Caimans, with a more substantial bench, gained momentum and outscored the Wranglers 15-11 in the third quarter, setting up a nail-biting final quarter.
Despite fatigue and a shortage of substitutes, the Wranglers managed to hold on, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter against the Caimans’ 27, ultimately securing a 66-64 victory.
Wranglers Captain Giovani Tracy acknowledged the challenge of playing with a limited roster, stating that the team had to dig deep to secure the win.
He praised his team’s resilience and determination, highlighting their collective effort despite the tough circumstances.
On the other side, Black Caimans Captain Ronaldo Kissoon expressed frustration over the loss, emphasizing the hard work and preparation his team had put in.
He found the narrow defeat disheartening but remained determined to push forward.
In another match, the Prospect Kobras overcame the Wortmanville Pacesetters with an 83-78 victory.
After a slow start, the Kobras rebounded strongly in the second period and maintained their dominance for the remainder of the game, outplaying their opponents on both ends of the court.
The GABA Under-23 Basketball League is sponsored by Wilson Plumbing Supplies and General Services and supported by the National Sports Commission through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport – Guyana.
The league continues to offer thrilling basketball action as young talents compete for top honors.