It's not often that Belize can celebrate winning an international basketball tournament...but tonight we can. This afternoon, the University of Belize's Jaguars defeated the West Minister Titan's in UB's first shootout competition.
We first told you about the shootout last week which featured Quintana Roo, a college from West Virginia, and UB's team. The first game was Monday night and after 8 games, which were played in round robin format, the team from Quintana Roo was eliminated yesterday by UB. This afternoon it was the final featuring the Titans versus the Jaguars. After 40 minutes of play the Jaguars edged out the Titans by a score of 89 to 84. UB's Captain Lindbergh "Prince" Graham dominated the game along with Lennox Bowman who Scored 19 points. We spoke to both captain and MVP after the game.
KS: What was the tournament like for you guys?
'Prince' Graham: It was really hectic. We had to work hard because those guys are good shooters. They put up a very strong defense.
KS: What was the experience like?
'Prince' Graham: For me it was a really new experience. This is my first time in a game like this, so big. It was really breathtaking [Panting] as you can see.
KS: Do you feel like you made Belize proud with this win?
'Prince' Graham: Definitely. As you can see, there is not much crowd but the crowd that came was riding with us.
KS: What was up with crowd? I saw a few people in here today. Have you guys been getting the crowd support from Belizeans?
'Prince' Graham: I wouldn't say we are getting the crowd but the crowd that was here was enough for us. We didn't really play for the crowd, we played for a team, together. Together as a family, the UB family. The crowd we had out here was nice and they were cheering us on.
KS: Lennox you were the MVP. What was the shootout like for you?
Lennox Bowman: It was a very good experience for me. I enjoyed playing.
I met a lot of good players. I am excited right now man, I'm excited right now.
KS: You play semi-pro ball also?
Lennox Bowman: Yeah.
KS: What was it like playing for Belize in this tournament?
Lennox Bowman: It is a great experience for me. I got to know new people. I got to know more friends because these guys score very well today and like I said I am very excited.
KS: You already said what it is like playing for Belize but what is it like winning for Belize?
Lennox Bowman: G_reat, great, bring the trophy home for Belize.
After the game, medals were distributed to the Quintana Roo team that placed third, the Titans that placed second, and the jaguars that placed first. Lennox Bowman took home the MVP award. Both Graham and Lennox play for UB's semi-pro team which will play for that league's championship on Friday night. All the players on the team for the shootout were UB students. The tournament was fully sponsored by UB with financial backing from Brothers Habet and Habet and Habet.
