NBFTT's men's division semi-finals tip off

CALEDONIA Clippers will come up against Defence Force at 6.30pm while Stories of Success (SOS) will battle against Police two hours later when semi-final action, of the Men's Division National Basketball Federation TT (NBFTT) Invitational Championships, tips off on Wednesday, at the Maloney Indoor Sports Arena.

In the last round of preliminary matches, Defence Force had a prolific fourth quarter to eventually defeat Prisons by the narrowest of margins 80-79 in what was deemed the closest match of the season. Army led after the first quarter 20-18 but trailed at halftime by the same two-point margin 41-39. However, Prison blazed away in the third period, sailing away with a ten-point lead 63-53 heading into the decisive quarter. Army tightened up on the defensive end limiting their opponents to only 16 while exploding for 27 points.

Defence Force's Kerry Mc Millan top-scored for his team with 18 points followed by Brandon Charles and Kyeon Joseph who added 13 points. For Prisons, Marvin Hayes was the main contributor with 21, Mikahail Williams had 13 and Michael Jerome 11 points.

Maloney Pacers needed a blowout victory to overthrow Police for the fourth and final semi-final spot. But, Police stood strong to eventually win 83-74 to erase any doubt of them qualifying for the knockout round. Fabrice Fisher led the charge for the lawmen with 24 points, team-mate Dextroy Manswell added (21) and Don Wilkinson notched 11 points. Pacers had top scores from Mohammed Elias (21), Jael Lewis (15) and Kadeem Greig (14).

SOS won by default against Brian Chase Basketball Academy to top the preliminary table with (5 wins, 1 loss) 11 points. Caledonia Clippers (10 points) had a better point difference to Defence Force and Police who placed third and fourth respectively.

Friday: Semi-Final Game 2

Caledonia Clippers vs Defence Force -630pm

Stories of Success vs Police – 830pm

Sunday: Semi-Final Game 3 (If Necessary)

Caledonia Clippers v Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force - 630pm

Stories of Success v Police – 830pm