The Gleaner face unbeaten Western Sports in 3-on-3 semis

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

The Gleaner advanced to the Business House 3-on-3 basketball semi-finals on Monday evening when they defeated Urban Development Corporation (UDC) 44-38 in Game Three of the the best-of-three division II quarter-finals at the Stadium Courts.

They will now face the unbeaten Western Sports in game one of the best-of-three semis today at the Stadium Courts, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Led by 23 points from captain Omar Wolfe, The Gleaner came from behind to wrap up the series 2-1, having lost game one by nine points on Monday, October 3, before coming back to level the series with a 34-27 win over UDC on October 5.

In all three matches, Wolfe was the leading scorer for the newsmen.

In the remaining division II quarter-final on Monday, National Land Agency defeated NHT 38-26 in Game Three to close out the series 2-1. They will face Bank of Jamaica (BoJ) in the other semi-final today.

Quarter-final match

In the last division I quarter-final match on Monday, NWC defeated Sagicor 50-45 to advance to the semis, where they will face the unbeaten G4S. Geoffery Brown knocked in 17 points for NWC, while Orlando Trottman dumped 16. Kirk Shaw scored 17 for Sagicor.

NWC will face G4S in Game One of the division I semis at the Stadium Courts this evening at 6:30. Defending champions Grace Cannings will meet last year's division II champions, Jamaica Teachers' Association Cooperative Credit Union, in the other division I semis at 7:30.

In their division II quarter-final on Monday, The Gleaner asserted their authority from early to lead 9-6, 15-10, 23-14 to be 27-22 at half-time, thanks to some enterprising shooting from Wolfe, whose 23 points included a trio of three pointers.

After the interval, UDC fought back strongly to level the scores at 30-30 and actually went ahead 32-30.

However, this proved shortlived as The Gleaner quickly regained the lead, steadily pulling clear to win by six points. Wolfe received good support from Jermaine Bailey (15 points) and the aggressive Joe Harris in defence, whose six points comprised two three pointers.

The UDC's captain Damion Mattis played well for his 23 points, assisted by Geraldo Folkes with six and Chris Moffatt five.

Wolfe's father, Garnett, is coach of The Gleaner.