MAYBE IT was Ramon Simmons who wanted Cougars all along.
Smalta Pinelands’ sharp-shooting swingman hit five more treys to cap a historic spell from beyond the arc, as the pre-season favourites duly completed a two-game sweep of Cougars following Saturday’s 86-64 blowout in the Co-operators General Insurance Premier League basketball play-offs.
The night brought Simmons’ total to 12 over the span of two games, and that had nothing to do with the record ten triples he hit against the same opponents in Tuesday’s regular season finale – two nights before the start of the series.
This time though, Simmons also proved a terror in the open floor, poking away several balls before racing past defenders down the floor for quick scores in transition.
Before Cougars could even respond they were already down 34-14, as Gill too got in on the open court lay-up drill. Cougars did make a run, although rather brief, with Ricardo Jemmott hitting four straight jumpers to open the second half that got them within nine (44-35).
But Gill replied with two free throws and a lay-up, and Cougars never got any closer despite Adrian Stewart’s best efforts at the other end.
Gill finished with 22 points, ten assists and nine rebounds, Simmons scored 21 while Stewart led Cougars with 27 points and five dimes. Jemmott also had 17 points and nine boards. (JM)
