Basketball: Men’s division one play-offs final – Game 1 |18 November 2022

PLS Hawks’ Ed Talma beat Beau Vallon Heat’s Gerald Bristol for two easy points (Photo: Roland Duval)

Hawks fly above Heat for 1-0 final series lead

PLS Hawks took a vital step in their quest to be crowned men’s division one champions following their 77-65 win over Beau Vallon Heat in game one of the best-of-three final series yesterday night at Victoria Gymnasium.

After finishing second in the classification league, Hawks eliminated Bel Air-based Baya 2-1 in the semifinals to book their final berth, while Heat, who finished on top, swept their series 2-0 against Drifters.

In yesterday’s match, it was PLS Hawks who showed their intention early, winning the first quarter 21-15, with captain Jean-Philip Esparon contributing eight points, including two treys, while Ed Talma chipped in two treys of his own.

PLS Hawks came out more aggressive in the second quarter where they scored another 21 points, compared to only 11 for Heat, stretching their lead to 42-26 at half-time.

Once again, captain Esparon was hot behind the arc where he scored three more treys to lead the scoring for PLS Hawks.

Realising that the chance of a win was quickly getting out of their reach, Heat tried to step up their game in the third quarter. Led by captain Timmy Adam who contributed eight points, the Beau Vallon side were able to score 16 points.

However, PLS Hawks led by big man Rodney Lozé who chipped in six points in this quarter narrowly outscored Heat 18-16 to lead 60-42 at the end of the third period of the match.

With a win literally secured, Hawks reduced the pace of their game in the fourth and final quarter where Beau Vallon Heat seized the opportunity to score points, winning the quarter 23-17.

Hawks’ advantage from the first three quarters of the match was enough to maintain their lead, guaranteeing them a 77-65 win and a 1-0 advantage.

Leading by example, captain Esparon was Hawks’ top scorer with 20 points and counterpart Adam led the scoring for Heat with 23 points.

Game two of the final series will take place on Saturday, starting at 5.30pm at Victoria Gymnasium.

Meanwhile, the Land Marine Cup will begin today when Cascade Bullets will meet Mont Fleuri at 5.30pm in the men’s division two competition, while at 7pm in a men’s division one match, MBU Rockers will meet Premium Cobras.

Roland Duval