THERE’S JUST NO counting out the champs.
Ramon Simmons missed two go-ahead treys in the final ten seconds, including a potential game-winner at the horn, as Lumber Company LSC held on for a 71-69 Game 1 win over Pinelands on Saturday in the Co-operators General Insurance Premier League Basketball finals.
Playing at the Barbados Community College, the defending champions LSC looked set to take the opener in a rematch of the 2014 title series after a pair of Ian Alexander free throws gave them a late 70-65 lead.
But Andre Boadu fouled out just seconds later before Jeremy Gill made the contest a one-possession game (70-69) with 22 seconds left.
LSC forward Mark Bridgeman left the door open by splitting free throws, but Simmons couldn’t cash in, missing a step-back triple and then a wide open look at the buzzer.
Alexander led the champs with 19 points, Keefe Birkett added 12 and Ormond Haynes scored 11 while Charles Vanderpool had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Pine.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue. (JM)
