Pacers clinch Finals spot thanks to Boyd's stellar performance; Southside Elite force Game 3 showdown

Pleasantville, Trinidad — Ahkeel Boyd turned in a remarkable showing as Lead Leads Maloney Pacers punched their ticket to the championship series. Boyd dominated with 44 points—surpassing his impressive Game 1 display—as Pacers comfortably defeated Straker Nets 91-72 on Wednesday night, sweeping their Big Four semifinal at the Southern Regional Indoor Sports Arena.

Pacers asserted itself as a championship contender from the start, setting a fast pace and jumping out to an 18-10 lead in the first quarter, which they extended to 42-27 by halftime. The Pacers’ swift transitions overwhelmed the Nets, who struggled to contain Boyd and his teammates.

The outcome was clear after three quarters, with Pacers up 73-50. They cruised through the final period for a 19-point win and a place in the finals. Boyd led all scorers with 44 points, complemented by Hakeem Morgan’s 17. Straker Nets received 27 points from Sadiki Guerra, 21 from Triston Benjamin, and 12 from Shaquille Lewis.

Meanwhile, the evening’s second game was full of playoff tension as Southside Elite responded when facing elimination. After dropping Game 1, Southside regrouped and earned a steady 76-65 victory over Police, extending the series to a decisive Game 3.

Tyrik Singh and Jason Friday paced Southside with 19 points apiece, while Jelani Valley added 16. Displaying balanced offense, Southside led 20-16 after the first quarter and preserved a slim 39-35 edge at halftime. Police, powered by Dextroy Manswell’s 22 points and Mikahail Williams’ 19, remained within reach but fell short in the fourth as Elite held firm.

Everything now hinges on Saturday, March 21st, at 8:30pm in the Maloney Indoor Sports Arena. With a trip to the finals at stake, Southside Elite and Police will battle in a winner-take-all Game 3, where the victor will earn the right to challenge the surging Pacers for the championship.