The Tribune

THE Commonwealth Bank Giants proved why they are the defending New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) champions as they pulled off their biggest challenge so far this year by defeating the Royal Bahamas Police Force Crimestoppers 113-94 at CI Gibson Gym Monday night.

In the only game played, Denykco Bowles scored a side high 24 points, shooting 9-for-22 from the field, 3-for-11 from the three-point line and 3-for-8 from the free throw line in 35 minutes and 16 seconds. He also pulled down a game high 18 rebounds, dished out six assists and had two steals.

Michael Bain finished with 23 points on 9-of-16 from the field and 5-of-9 from the foul line in 38:34 minutes. He also had 11 rebounds with a game high seven assists and four steals. Gamaliel Rose, in 37:14 minutes, contributed 22 points with 13 rebounds, six assists, a game high three block shots and two steals.

Also, Mark Hanna had 17 points with six rebounds, Adrian Miller had 14 points and Jackson Jacob chipped in with eight points.

The Giants, coached by Perry Thompson, led 25-22 after the first quarter, but trailed the Crimestoppers 55-47 at the half. In the third quarter, the Police, coached by Anthony ‘Cops’ Rolle, had taken an 85-78 lead before Commonwealth Bank stormed to turn things around in the fourth quarter for the win.

Mitchell Johnson, home on a break from his professional career, canned a game high 35 points, shooting 12-for-24 from the field, 4-for-12 from the three-point line and 7-for-9 from the foul line in 39:30 minutes to lead the Police.

Jeremy Hutchinson, playing against his former team, was the only other player in double figures with 25 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two assists in 35:08 minutes. Freddie Lightbourne and Carvin Cummings both had nine points and Dion McPhee helped out with eight in the loss.

The NPBA is slated to be back in action today with a double header starting at 7:30pm.