Panthers net exciting win over Wizards

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Blazing Panthers, led by Linford Brown's game-high 19 points, registered an exciting 67-65 victory over defending champions Tivoli Gardens, in the Flow/National Basketball League (NBL) on Saturday at the National Stadium courts.

The Wizards began the game confidently, as they outplayed the Panthers to take an 18-11 lead at the end of the first period.

However, the Panthers fought their way back into the match in the second quarter, courtesy of the speedy and crafty Brown, who scored two three-pointers, as they outscored the Wizards (15-7) to tie the game 26-26 at the half-time.

The third period was very exciting as both teams traded basket for basket. But a three-pointer from Dushane White in the final seconds led the Panthers to a 41-39 lead at the end.

The Edward 'Ted' Marshall-coached Wizards tried desperately to outmuscle their opponents in the fourth quarter, but a number of crucial turnovers down the stretch affected their chances.

The Panthers were very solid at both ends of the floor, as Desmond Harriott drained a jumper to increase their led to 67-63 with 20 seconds remaining.

Final moments

On the next possession, Wizards' Andy Smith scored a lay-up to give his team a glimmer of hope, but the Panthers held their nerves in the final moments, as they hung on to record their second win from two matches.

Brown received good support from White and Harriott, who both scored 11 points, respectively. Smith (13), Andrew Whilby (13) and Anthony Farquharson (13) were the main scorers for the Wizards.

Donald Bimmer, coach of the Panthers, was elated.

"I am pleased because, although they are not playing the way I want them to, we were still able to get a big victory over the defending champions," said Bimmer.

He added: "This victory has made us a lot more confident because the last two seasons weren't good for us, and so the fact that we have won our first two games will put us in good stead for the remainder of the season."Marshall blamed the loss on complacency.

"I think we underestimated our opponents, because we didn't play as hard as we should have done."

In the day's other game, last year's runners-up, Majesty Gardens Legends, recorded their first win in three outings, when they defeated newcomers Swift Sons 66-52. Havando Dunn led the way for the Marland Nattie-coached team, with a game-high 25 points.

Dunn received solid support from national representative Kemar McLeish, who contributed 23 points. The Legends led 37-32 at half-time and 51-46 at the end of the third period. Adrian Wellington (12) and Omar O' Savio (12) were the leading scorers for the Sons.