MONROVIA, Montserrado – The inter-collegial basketball tournament hosted by Scorpion Incorporated has reached its final stage with the two information technologies colleges, BlueCrest University College and Starz College of Science and Technology, set to battle each other for the title.
With only four colleges participating, no one expected attendance to be significant, however, the Sports Commission became surprisingly crowded, with fans pulling in their numbers to support their respective institutions.
The day’s first encounter, between BlueCrest and Stella Maris, was a bore, as BlueCrest dominated the match from the first to the last quarter. BlueCrest managed to score 32 points in the first half, while Stella Maris had only 17 points, leaving them with a mountain to climb. BlueCrest’s fine display in the first half made them the fans’ clear favorite of the match.
In the second half, BlueCrest showed they were desperate to increase the score, dominating the remainder of the game. The Catholic Boys only managed to add 15 points and their poor performance earned them a 58-32 defeat to BlueCrest.
Starz’s lineup. Photo: T. Kla Wesley Jr.
The second match of the day, between United Methodist University and Starz College of Science and Technology, became the match to watch.  With UMU featuring high-profile players like first division club Mighty Barrolle’s star player Ernest Bestman, it was hugely expected to be a one-sided match. However, the game became the most competitive of the day.
UMU began on a slow note and Starz made use of the opportunity to score, finishing the first period with a 43-38 lead. As the match continued, in the second half, the tension continued to rise with both teams scoring back to back.
Starz’s players maintained their form and took a narrow 63-61 lead until the last 10 seconds of the match when UMU leveled the score. Bestman was the hero as he managed to get two free throws to restore UMU’s hopes.
Less than five seconds to end the match with the score leveled between both teams, there were signs of going into extra time to determine the winner, but Starz sealed the deal with the winning shot coming with just two seconds remaining on the clock. Charles Abiodun scored that late winner with a free throw.
Fans immediately rushed onto the court to celebrate the victory. The heartbreaking end to the match meant that UMU would miss out on the final, allowing Starz College of Science and Technology to set up an all information technology final, which will be played on Friday, December 1.
Fans on the court celebrating after Starz’s winning shot. Photo: T. Kla Wesley Jr.
Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.
