Defending champions North Ruimveldt Ravens were held back in Game One of the One Guyana Basketball League Finals, falling 70-74 to a determined Victory Valley Royals side on Thursday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue.
The Royals, representing Linden, came out hungry and focused, setting the tone early and never letting go of their lead. Harold Williams led all scorers with a commanding 29-point performance, while Orlan Glasgow and Yannick Tappin chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively, to push the visitors over the line.
The Georgetown ballers responded with Nikoloi Smith scoring 17 points for the Ravens, with support from Alroy Nurse (14) and Terrence Daniels (11), but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.
Linden’s side edged ahead 18-16 in the opening quarter and continued to build momentum, taking a 37-32 lead into the half. The Royals tightened their grip in the third period, outscoring Ravens 20-15 to carry a 10-point cushion into the final quarter.
Despite a late push from the defending champs, who won the fourth 23-16, the early damage proved decisive as the Royals held on for a statement win in the best-of-three series.
Game Two tips off on July 26, with the Ravens needing a win to stay alive, while the Royals are one game away from their first-ever league title.
