Unbeaten, Redemption and Rout: Rivalries Set the NBFTT Hardwood Ablaze

Pleasantville & Maloney, Trinidad — Jan. 30–31

Rivalries don’t ask for permission—they demand attention. And across a charged two-night stretch in the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad & Tobago (NBFTT) Club Championships, contenders rose, statements were delivered, and one team quietly continued its march toward perfection.

From the south to the north, the hardwood told stories of dominance, revenge, and explosive offense.

Southside Elite Stay Perfect, Roll Past Ansa Stars 88–75

Pleasantville Indoor Complex — Jan. 30

Southside Elite entered the southern rivalry doubleheader unbeaten—and played like a team unwilling to surrender that status.

They burst out from tip-off with a suffocating 20–7 first quarter, immediately placing Ansa Stars on their heels. Although the Stars rallied in the second (19–19) and edged out Elite in the third (20–19), their early deficit was insurmountable.

As the fourth quarter became a fast-paced contest at 29–29, Elite maintained their position, ensuring the score stayed safe.

Jelani Valley delivered a superstar performance with 32 points, controlling the tempo and punishing defensive lapses. Tyrek Singh added 14, while Mikel Phillip (13) and Jason Friday (10) provided critical scoring balance.

The consistent Kevin Sargent fought valiantly for the Stars with 24 points, supported by Keya Blackett (14) and Deleon Brown (13), but the uphill climb was relentless.

Elite improved to a pristine 4–0, reinforcing their reputation as one of the league’s most complete squads. The Stars slipped to 2–3, left to wonder what might have been without that slow start.

Police Lock Down Quarters, 80–61

If Elite set the tone, Police made sure it echoed.

After trailing 17–16 at the end of the first, Police recalibrated and tightened their defensive grip. They seized the second quarter 19–13, then methodically widened the gap through the third (21–17) before slamming the door with a commanding 24–14 fourth.

Fabric Fisher dominated, scoring 29 points against Quarters. Jesse Hamilton chipped in 16, Nathyon Lewis scored 15, and Reinhard Semurath added 11, showcasing the depth that has fuelled Police’s early-season surge.

Simba Edwards led Quarters with 17, while Shem Grant contributed 13, but scoring droughts and Police’s relentless defense told the story late.

Police climbed to 4–1, looking every bit like a contender, while Quarters dropped to 1–4, still searching for consistency.

Defense Force Exact Revenge, Ground Oilbirds 87–78

Maloney Indoor Complex — Jan. 31

Circle this one under redemption.

Defense Force hadn’t forgotten their earlier North Zone defeats to the Morvant Oilbirds—and from the opening whistle, they played with the urgency of a team settling unfinished business.

A 21–15 first quarter laid the foundation before a blistering offensive stretch sent them into halftime ahead 50–35.

But rivalry games rarely end quietly.

The Oilbirds surged in the fourth, slicing the deficit to 66–62 and injecting drama into the building. Just when momentum threatened to flip, mistakes unravelled the comeback—costly turnovers and rushed possessions opened the door for Defense Force to pull away once more and secure the 87–78 victory. For the fourth straight time, Oilbirds failed to secure control in the crucial final minutes of their matches.

Ex-Oilbird Jaheen Job scored 19 points with 4 three-pointers against his former team. Jevideah Celestine poured in 18, while Christian Arthur (13) and Kendell Latmore (10) anchored a composed team effort.

Antonio Ambris paced the Oilbirds with 22, with Obel Guerra (16) and Kevon Williams (15) adding support. Still, the loss keeps them winless at 0–4.

Defense Force now sits at 2–3, their season suddenly carrying renewed belief.

Pacers Deliver Weekend’s Loudest Message, Hammer Nets 101–80

Some victories are quiet; others are bold. Lead Leads Maloney Pacers made theirs loud.

Pacers exploded out of the gates, racking up an impressive 33–9 lead in the first quarter against the second-ranked northern team, Straker Nets, essentially sealing the match early. By halftime, the score was 59–24, making the final result seem assured.

The Pacers kept pressing through three (82–44) before the Nets mounted a late surge that did little more than soften the final margin.

Tyrese Fields dazzled with 28 points, orchestrating an offensive clinic. Akeel Boyd added 15, Shakiel Bertrand scored 14, while Ronaldihno Esajas (13) and Peter Alexis (10) ensured the avalanche never slowed.

Shaquille Lewis, son of ex-national standout Steven ‘Lighter’ Lewis, led the Nets with 21 points, while Chike Augustine (19) and Sadiki Guerra (18) contributed, but they couldn't overcome the early deficit.

With the win, Pacers improved to 4–1, planting themselves firmly among the league’s elite, while Nets fell to 1–3.

The Takeaway

Four games. Four declarations.

Southside Elite remain flawless, a team playing with the calm confidence of a title threat. Police are building momentum. Defense Force proved revenge can reset a season. And the Pacers delivered a performance that sent a clear message across the standings.

In the NBFTT Club Championships, rivalry nights aren’t just about bragging rights—they’re about identity. After this electrifying weekend, the race is no longer quiet—it's unfolding.

Activities will recommence following the carnival season on 21 February at the Maloney Indoor Complex and the following day at Pleasantville Indoor Arena.