Forwards Kyeon Joseph and D' OMar Marin scored 20 and 19 points, respectively, in an effort which helped Maloney Pacers register a 78-69 win over Sangre Grande Young Stars when competition in the Mackeson Super 10 Basketball League continued on Friday night at the Maloney Sports Complex.
Pacers, which last made the play-off in 2007, fell behind after the first quarter 17-15, but quickly regrouped to outscore the opponent, 19-15, to enjoy a slender half-time lead at 34-32.
Marin then took over the third quarter with 10 points which included two three-pointer baskets. His effort guided Maloney to 22-9 run in the session that opened up a 56- 41 lead after three sessions of play.
But, Sangre Grande was not to be counted out with the likes of veterans in point-guard Richard Mungo and centres Gregory Alexander and Joel Cruickshank who provided on-court leadership, as the 1991 champions reduced a 15-point deficit to four points, courtesy of two successful three-point baskets (from Mungo) in the final three minutes of play.
However, Maloney closed out the contest with a 10-point run in the final two minutes.
For Sangre Grande, Mungo led the way with 12 points all from the three-point range, while Marlon Sylvester and Ricky Hazari each contributed nine points as their team lost for the fifth time in six matches.
In another key fixture Point-guard Sadiki Guerra scored a season-high 28 points, leading Diego Martin All Stars to a 76-62 win over Sangre Grande Young Stars.
Guerra's points production comprised five three-point baskets giving Diego Martin a boost following Thursday night's 105-99 over-time loss to Petro Jazz, dominated the match from the jump-ball.
Diego Martin led 21-14 after the first session, and was 37-23 ahead when half-time was called.
For the victors, guard Richard Guiseppe was the next best scorer with nine points. Eleven of the 12 players rosted for the match got on the score-sheet for Diego Martin.
For Sangre Grande, which played its second fixture in as many nights, Glendon Phillip claimed 17 points, while team-mate Occie Pierre added 13, as their team suffered a fifth loss in six matches.
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