The Hopewell Vipers have rescued their Lucozade Sport Men's Basketball Championship season. In addition, it is their first win over Central Flames in 2009.

Both teams have now faced each other a total of five times thus far; Flames winning four of them including the Mid-season finals.

On Sunday afternoon, Hopewell managed to play one of their better games all year, despite a slow 9-8 start in the first quarter, Vipers picked up the tempo - extending the lead to 23-19 by half-time.

With Vipers holding a precarious four point lead at the main break, Flames reignited in the third to score 14 points and extending their overall lead to 40-33.

The Flames have been gallant all season and ensured they had something to show for their efforts by winning the final quarter 14-12. Nevertheless, Hopewell held tough to take away the 5-point win.

With a monkey off their backs and a strong performance from Dwight Reid, who jacked up 23 points, grabbed eight boards and snatch three steals. Reid was supported by 11 points from Kirk Blake along with his seven rebounds and five steals.

Flames were paced by Sheldon Myrie who hit 18 points. The team's leading scorer, Craig Dorman had a poor performance by his standards, he made 14 points, while pulling down nine rebounds, snatching two steals along with two blocks.


The final and decisive game will be played this Friday, June 26 at the same venue at 7:00pm.


By Khurt Comrie for WBA Media.