The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Selassie take Game 1 versus Aqua

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Leon Cole of Aqua Youths attempts a shot over Selassie Gardens' Richard Willis during Game One of their quarter-final match in the Homestyle Juices Division One League at the National Stadium court yesterday. Selassie Gardens won 63-49. - LeVaughn Flynn

Aqua Youths neglected their own advice and paid for it dearly. "The third quarter a go decide di game, so mek we get it together," one of the players urged as the team left the bench after the break to face the number one team, Selassie Gardens, in the Homestyle Juices Division One Southern Conference Basketball League.

So said, so done. Selassie Gardens, unbeaten this season, outscored Aqua 26-15 and out-hustled them in the period for a 63-49 win at the National Stadium courts yesterday. That crucial first-game win in the best-of-three quarter-final series gives them a clear advantage heading into Game Two tomorrow night.

Both teams were evenly matched up to half-time with Selassie leading 26-23. But then came Selassie's set play, code name 'Sugar', which freed up Richard Willis for a three-pointer. Willis hit three in a row in the third quarter, which helped extend Selassie's lead and built their energy on the defensive end.

"We ran a play which worked for us and that really helped us in the third quarter," said Selassie's coach Dennis Gardner.

Second chances

Of his second-half defence, Gardner added: "Aqua were getting second chances in the first half and that's what was keeping them in the game. So, we stressed tightening the defence and out-hustling them."

Willis ended with a team high 16 points while Oneil Christie had 15 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Kemar Cohen, added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Aqua had only one player in double figure - Derron Jackson with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Leon Cole was next with eight points and seven rebounds.

Aqua coach Howard McCatty admitted that the third quarter was the breaking point for his team.

"I think after all those three-pointers we panicked and lost our composure," said McCatty. Our guards lost their heads and we tried different rotations but it didn't work.

"We might make a few tactical adjustments for the game on Tuesday."

In last night's second game, Raymond Layne gave a stellar performance, recording a triple-double with 20 points, 23 rebounds and 10 steals to lead Waterhouse Blazers to a 64-51 win over Braves Chiefs in Game One of their series. Lascelles Johnson led the losers with 16 points and seven rebounds.

The other quarter-finalists will be in action tonight when Meadows All-Stars face Hagley Park Thorns at 6:00 followed by Eastern Pistons versus the Jamaica Defence Force at 7:45.