THE Canje Knights won a thrilling battle against rivals, Rose Hall Town Jammers, in the final of the Nigel Hinds Financial Services Annual Berbice Basketball Mecca Classic, which was played on Saturday night under lights at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court.
The Knights had to battle back against a dominant Rose Hall Town side, but armed with the likes of Jamal Felix and Michael Bowen, they were able to stage a last quarter fight back to register a two-point victory (88-86).
Bowen was fouled on the three-point line, and although Rose Hall were up to the task at the other end, a critical fast break from Tyrone Dey propelled the Knights to victory.
Felix led the attack with a game-high 27 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Bowen added 22 points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals. Dey was also impressive and although he was in foul trouble, he still contributed 18 points.
For the Jammers, Shamar France, who was key in keeping the side ahead for most of the game (they led by six points at the end of the half 44-38), finished with 26 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Kwesi Mickel supported with 17 points, three assists and four rebounds, while Jermaine King finished with 14 points and five rebounds.
For the victory, the Knights received the championship trophy and $100,000, while the Jammers collected $75,000.
Prior to the championship clash, Georgetown-based Plaisance Guardians U-21 team edged past the West Berbice Hopetown Steelers 73-71 in another crowd-pleasing thriller.
