Straker Nets, Defence Force deliver statement wins as NBFTT Championship heats up

The stakes were high, the margins were tight, and the message was clear: Straker Nets and Defence Force are very much alive in the title conversation. As the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago (NBFTT) National Club Championships rolled on this weekend, the Men’s First Division served up intensity, momentum swings and statement performances across the country.

Guerra ignites late surge for Straker Nets

At the Maloney Indoor Sports Arena on Saturday night, North Zone runners-up Straker Nets survived a late scare and outgunned South Zone third-placed Ansa Stars, 78–69, in a game that swung in the balance until the final minutes.

With the Nets trailing 50–49 after three quarters, veteran point guard Sadiki Guerra took control, slicing through the defence and pouring in a game-high 26 points. His shot-making and leadership flipped the script in the fourth quarter as Straker Nets finally created separation. Triston Benjamin added 13 points, while Ansa Stars stayed in the fight behind Lester Edwards’ 21 and Michael Pantin’s 18, before the Nets closed the door down the stretch.

Defence Force imposes will in Pleasantville

In the weekend championship game on Friday at the Southern Regional Indoor Sports Arena (SRISA), Defence Force made their presence felt with a commanding 77–67 win over South Zone second-placed Police. Powered by Kadeem Greig’s 22-point outburst, the army-coast guard combination controlled the tempo and delivered timely stops whenever Police threatened to rally.

Southside Elite unleash offensive firepower

In the night’s other First Division clash, South Zone champions Southside Elite reminded everyone why they sit atop their zone, rolling past their zone fourth place rivals Quarters 91–74. Balance was the name of the game, with four players scoring in double figures. Jalani Valley led with 16 points, supported by Mikiel Phillip (15), Tyrik Singh (13) and Jason Friday (12). Simba Edward did all he could for Quarters, finishing with 22 points in the loss.

Next generation takes centre stage

The spotlight also shone brightly on the future stars, and they did not disappoint.

In the Boys’ Under-17 Division, SpartansTT delivered a wire-to-wire performance, dismantling Maloney Pacers 92–64. Leading at every checkpoint, Spartans were fueled by a dominant trio—William Francis erupted for a match-high 28 points, while Idriis Martin added 22 and Zachary Julien chipped in 20.

On the Girls’ side, Club Enterprise wasted no time asserting control in the Under-19 division. A blistering 21–4 first quarter against 500 Hawks set the tone for a convincing 77–46 victory. Makada Prescott and Melissa Pierre scored 11 points apiece, while Hawks guard Kaylee Haynes stole the show individually with a game-high 24 points despite the loss.

What’s next

The action shifts back to SRISA this evening for a pivotal First Division double-header. North Zone champions Lead Leads Maloney Pacers—still reeling from a surprise opening loss to Police—will look to rebound against South Zone’s fourth-placed Quarters at 7 pm. In the nightcap, Ansa Stars face a stern test against North's third-placed Morvant Oilbirds as the race for supremacy continues to intensify.