Briggs Leads Pacers Past Royalty in Hard-Fought North Zone Women's Division Clash

28 May 2026 Woodbrook, Port of Spain - Maloney Pacers built an early cushion and withstood a determined second-half comeback from Royalty to earn a 67-64 victory on Thursday night of the Lincoln “Cripple” Griffith North Zone Basketball League in the Women Division at the Woodbrook Youth Center

Powered by a game-high 23 points from Julissa Briggs, the Pacers controlled much of the contest before surviving a tense final quarter as Royalty threatened to erase a double-digit deficit.

Maloney came out with energy from the opening tip, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Their defense and efficient offense helped the Pacers race to a 19-9 lead after the first quarter, putting Royalty on the back foot early.

The Pacers continued to dictate play in the second period. Briggs found her rhythm offensively while Alyssa Connely provided valuable support, helping Maloney extend its advantage to 40-27 at halftime. At that stage, the Pacers appeared firmly in control.

But Royalty refused to go away.

Led by the scoring of Kaliamah Sookram and the contributions of Jalila Best, Royalty came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. Their confidence grew and they began to disrupt Maloney's offensive flow, and a strong third-quarter surge cut the deficit to just four points at 53-49 heading into the final period.

With momentum on their side, Royalty continued to push in the fourth quarter. Every Pacers basket was answered by Royalty, setting up a tense finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

Whenever Maloney needed a big play, however, Briggs delivered. Timely contributions from Justice Leon and Jamella McCarthy also proved crucial as the Pacers managed to hold their narrow lead in the closing minutes.

Royalty had opportunities late but could not find the decisive basket, allowing Maloney to escape with the three-point victory and continue building momentum in the North Zone Women's Division campaign.

Briggs finished with a game-high 23 points to lead all scorers, while Connely added 12 points. Leon and McCarthy each chipped in 10 points in a balanced offensive effort for the Pacers.

For Royalty, Sookram paced the attack with 18 points. Jalila Best added 14 points, while Joelle Best contributed 10 in a spirited comeback effort that ultimately fell just short.

Quarter Scores

1st Quarter: Pacers 19, Royalty 9 Halftime: Pacers 40, Royalty 27 End of 3rd Quarter: Pacers 53, Royalty 49 Final: Pacers 67, Royalty 64

Top Performers

Maloney Pacers; Julissa Briggs – 23 points, Alyssa Connely – 12 points, Justice Leon & Jamella McCarthy – 10 points each.

Royalty: Kaliamah Sookram – 18 points, Jalila Best – 14 points, & Joelle Best – 10 points