Big 4 Semifinals: Pacers and Defense Force Draw First Blood

The opening night of the Kelvin Roberts North Zone Basketball Commission League Big 4 semifinals lived up to expectations, with both matches delivering intensity, drama, and standout performances at the Woodbrook Youth Center in Port of Spain on August 23.

In the first matchup, the top ranked Maloney Pacers held off a furious late rally to edge 4th ranked Morvant Oilbirds 83–80, while in the second game, 3rd ranked Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force shook off a sluggish start to grind out a 58–51 victory over 2nd ranked Straker Nets. Both winners now sit one step away from the finals, leaving Oilbirds and Nets in must-win situations heading into Game 2 on August 26.

Maloney Pacers 83 – 80 Morvant Oilbirds

The night tipped off with unusual drama even before the first possession. Oilbirds were penalized for tardiness, gifting Maloney Pacers a free throw that star guard Akheem Boyd calmly converted. From there, Boyd dictated the pace, sparking an 8–0 run as Pacers stormed ahead to a 26–12 first-quarter lead.

Oilbirds clawed back in the second period. Kevon Williams drained back-to-back threes, and Obel Guerra added four points inside, trimming the deficit to 28–24. But Boyd, who was forced to work hard all evening, drew a foul on center Rashwan Hope and converted three free throws to halt the momentum. Pacers rebuilt their cushion and led 44–33 at halftime. With the game been so intense and all at stakes, Coach Jackson-Charles played Boyd for the entire game, resting only at intervals.

The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Pacers leaned on Shakiel Bertrand, who poured in 10 points, while Oilbirds responded through the efforts of point guard Juan Lopez, who hit a big three and added eight points. The highlight came when Guerra thundered home a fast-break dunk off a Williams assist, keeping Oilbirds within reach despite costly turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a showcase of resilience. Boyd, who finished with a game-high 28 points, kept Pacers steady, setting up shooters like Tyrese Fields, who buried four triples on the night. Yet Oilbirds mounted a dramatic rally, with Williams and Antonio Ambris hitting crucial threes while Lopez added a two pointer to close within two points at 75–73.

In the final minute, controversy struck. With Pacers leading 83–80, Williams craft his way hard to the rim and scored through contact, but the play was waved off as Hope was called for an illegal screen—a decision that sparked outrage from coach Casey Belgrave and the Oilbirds faithful. Moments later, Oilbirds forced another turnover. On the in-bound pass at the baseline, Lopez outwit his marker, found space for a game-tying attempt but opted for a midrange jumper instead of a three-pointer. His shot came up short, allowing Pacers to escape with the narrow win.

Top Performers – Pacers: Boyd 28 pts, Bertrand 21 pts, Fields 18 pts
Top Performers – Oilbirds: Williams 21 pts (4 threes), Guerra 13 pts (3 blocks), Ambris 11 pts (3 threes)

Quarter Scores:

1st Quarter: Pacers 26 – 12 Oilbirds.

2nd Quarter: Pacers 18 – 21 Oilbirds (Halftime: Pacers 44 – 33).

3rd Quarter: Pacers 22 – 23 Oilbirds (Pacers 66 – 56).

4th Quarter: Pacers 17 – 24 Oilbirds (Final: Pacers 83 – 80).

TT Defense Force 58 – 51 Straker Nets

The second game of the doubleheader was a tale of two halves. Nets set the early tone, with Sadiki Guerra leading the charge as they edged ahead 16–12 after one. Their disciplined defense and Guerra’s scoring touch pushed the advantage to 28–21 at halftime, leaving Defense Force in early trouble.

But the Army squad regrouped after the break and seized control of the contest. Sparked by Jahiem Job’s hot hand, Defense Force exploded for 25 third-quarter points while holding Nets to just 11. Job knocked down three triples in the frame, scoring nine points, as Defense Force surged to a 46–39 lead heading into the fourth.

The final quarter saw the army battalion close it out. Job added another five points, including his fourth three-pointer of the night, while experienced guard Kensley Sandy delivered eight points with a clutch long-range bomb. The Nets tried to rally, but with Guerra the only player in double figures, they lacked the firepower to break through Defense Force’s lockdown defense.

Top Performers – Defense Force: Job 14 pts (4 threes), Sandy 10 pts
Top Performer – Nets: Guerra 16 pts

Quarter Scores:

1st Quarter: Nets 16 – 12 Defense Force.

2nd Quarter: Nets 12 – 9 Defense Force (Halftime: Nets 28 – 21).

3rd Quarter: Defense Force 25 – 11 Nets (Defense Force 46 – 39).

4th Quarter: Defense Force 12 – 12 Nets (Final: Defense Force 58 – 51).