Latest update April 28th, 2026 12:30 AM
Crowning moment for Guyana’s basketball
– Sweeps Bermuda in International Series
By Edison Jefford
Through many trials, Guyana’s basketball seemingly reached its crowning moment when a near capacity crowd at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall rose to their feet to celebrate the dismantling of a higher ranked Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) team.
Guyana’s National Senior Men’s Basketball Team in celebratory mode with models and Guyana flags at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall following their historic International Series win. Coach, Darcel Harris stands at right.
Many witnessed history Saturday night when the Guyanese overcame a 14-point first half deficit to beat Bermuda 59-56, sweeping them 3-0 in Guyana’s Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) International Series. Of the 22 CBC teams, Bermuda is ranked among the top six, while Guyana does not have a top 10 ranking.
Ryan Gullen, who earned the right to be called ‘Mr. Big Shot’, rescued Guyana again in crunch-time with a four-point play. Gullen top scored for Guyana with 13 points while guards, Shelroy Thomas and Travis Burnett scored 12 and nine points respectively.
Jonathan Lowe led the Bermudians with 12 points while sibling, Jason Lowe and Chris Crumpler both had 11 points. Sullivan Phillips, clearly the leader of the Bermudian basketball team, netted seven points in a quiet performance in the final of the three games.
The Guyanese had trailed 19-32 following an abysmal first half. However, owed to its defensive press, the hosts outscored Bermuda 19-13 to go into the final quarter down only 38-45; following an offensive exchange, Gullen drilled a huge three-point jumper, even though he was fowled, to send the crowd into a frenzy.
Guyana equalised 51-51 with five minutes left in regulation time as Thomas nailed a dagger from ‘downtown’ to officially rally the crowd behind them. Screams of ‘Guyana… Guyana…’ in a coordinated crescendo almost drowned out the referees’ whistle.
Jason Squires created further mayhem among fans and supporters when he drilled yet another three-point shot to give Guyana their first lead, 54-53 with just under three minutes left in the historic game. Guyana’s run continued with a lay-up from Thomas.
The Guyanese smothered Phillips and the Bermudians with intense press and man-defence that forced high percentage shots. Bermuda just could not convert on possession as the Guyana side made it clear that their intention was to wear the big Bermudians down.
However, Dean Jones quieted the crowd when he pulled Bermuda within one, 55-56, scoring a crucial layup with 1:15 left. But the series Most Valuable Player, Burnett initiated pandemonium with an offensive weapon that he is not known to possess.
With 59 seconds left in the game, Burnett pulled up at the top of the key and drained a huge three point jumper that forced the crowd to its feet with a sea of Guyana’s flag. Guyana’s defence and excellent clock management ensured the creation of history.
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