Defending champions Soufriere Kings are just one win away from repeating as winners of the KFC National Basketball League. The Kings defeated the Bonne Terre Blazers 63-55 on Tuesday night at the Beausejour Gymnasium, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. In a tightly contested game from start to finish, the Kings avenged their 59-55 regular-season loss to the 2023 champion Blazers.
The teams were tied 28-28 at halftime, but the Kings created some separation in the third quarter, closing the period with a 49-43 advantage. The Blazers cut the deficit to three with seven minutes remaining in the final frame, but that was as close as they would get. The title holders outscored them by six in the fourth to seal a 12-point victory.
Jayzee Saltibus once again led the charge for Soufriere, building on his 21-point, 18-rebound semifinal performance with 24 points and 15 boards in the finals opener. Despite his strong showing, the 24-year-old forward remained unsatisfied with his performance.
“To be honest, I felt like last night’s game was one of my worst games,” he said. “Because I didn’t really play to my full potential. But we got the win, and I’m happy. Coming to the last quarter, I think we just played better defence.”
Blazers player Troy Louison disagreed with that assessment, asserting that his team sowed the seeds of its downfall.
“As a team, we need to improve on our decision-making down the stretch and limit our turnovers,” he stated. “The game was close till midway in the fourth. We’re always defeating ourselves with turnovers and not sticking to the game plan.”
The Kings can clinch back-to-back titles with a win in Game 2 on Friday night at the Beausejour Gymnasium. For the Blazers, it’s a must-win showdown as they fight to force a decisive Game 3.
