The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association (NPWBA) playoffs tipped off play in their semifinal round at the DW Davis Gymnasium Tuesday night.

The top seeded Career Builders Cheetahs held true to form by taking game one of their semifinal series against the Super Value Cybot Queens, while the veteran defending champion Bommer G Operators looked every bit the part in their game one win against the Johnson Lady Truckers.

League-leading scorer Phylicia Kelly continued her stellar play with a game high 24 points to lead five Cheetahs in double figures en route to a 79-67 win over the Queens. Kelly also added six rebounds and five steals.

Linda Pierre finished with a double double - 15 points and 13 rebounds - Christine Sinclair added 15 points, Anastacia Moultrie finished with 10 points and eight rebounds, while Pamela Bethel came off the bench to finish with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Tracey Lewis led the Queens with 21 points while Marva Dean added eight points and a game high 18 rebounds. Taneil Poitier finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assist, while Deandra Cunningham chipped in with 10 points off the bench.

The Cheetahs entered the fourth clinging to a one-point lead, but outscored the Queens 27-18 down the stretch in the fourth quarter to take the series opening win.

Moultrie scored the first basket of the fourth quarter and it sparked a 15-3 run which saw the Cheetahs take a 13-point lead on Pierre’s layup at the 5:30 mark.

The Cheetahs took an 18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 36-25 at the half.

The Queens made a comeback in the third quarter when they outscored the Cheetahs 24-16 and trailed just 52-51 heading into the fourth.

The Operators took game one over the Johnson Lady Truckers (82-76) led by 22 points from Chrishanda Rahming. Vernisha Moss also had a dominant performance inside with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Malesha Peterson added 14 points, Sherelle Cash scored 11 while Roberta Quant finished with six points and 12 rebounds.

Shantell Rolle led the Truckers with 22 points, Latoya Rolle added 16 points and 13 rebounds while Janice Williams finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Game two in each series is scheduled for tonight while game three (if necessary) is slated for Saturday, March 15.