Suriname open IGG B/ball campaign with back-to-back wins

Dec 06, 2025 Sports

Action between French Guiana and Suriname at IGG Basketball.

Kaieteur Sports – Suriname signaled their intentions early at the 2025 Inter Guiana Games (IGG) basketball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s divisions last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Suriname edged French Guiana 66 – 63 at IGG men’s basketball.

Suriname edged French Guiana in a close encounter at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

With disciplined execution, strong defensive organisation, and clutch scoring, Suriname swept their opening fixtures, defeating Guyana in the women’s game 77-52 and edging French Guiana 66-63 in a thriller in the men’s matchup.

The women’s contest tipped off the tournament, and Suriname wasted no time asserting authority. From the opening possession, they controlled pace and spacing, overwhelming the hosts with aggressive defense and smooth offensive rotations.

Suriname jumped out to a commanding 22–11 lead at the end of the first quarter, forcing Guyana into hurried shots and turnovers.

Guyana attempted to regroup behind the efforts of Maliha Samuels, Kassidy Woolford (8 points), and the dynamic Sherese Leacock, who posted a game-high 14 points. Forward Brianna Benjamin added 12 points, battling relentlessly in the paint.

Despite Guyana’s efforts, Suriname’s composure never wavered, extending the halftime lead to 39–28.

The third quarter proved the knockout blow. Suriname went on a decisive run, outscoring the hosts by a wide margin to lead 64–37 at the end of the period. Braisha Daniels, who finished with 12 points, led the surge, supported by a deep and balanced supporting cast.

Meanwhile, the men’s fixture that followed was a stark contrast, with a tense, physical showdown that went down to the final buzzer.

Suriname opened the match with confidence, taking a 17–13 lead after the first quarter thanks to strong interior play and efficient ball movement.

French Guiana countered effectively in the second, tightening their defence and attacking in transition. They outscored Suriname 25–23 in the period, narrowing the halftime margin and shifting momentum slightly in their favour.

Coming out of the break, Suriname settled into disciplined half-court sets, regaining rhythm and capitalising on defensive lapses.

Their backcourt stepped up with timely baskets, allowing them to take the third quarter 23–20 and rebuild a cushion heading into the decisive final period.

French Guiana launched their fiercest push in the fourth. Their aggressive drives and improved ball pressure forced Suriname into turnovers, and they outscored the visitors 25–23 in a frantic closing stretch.

Their clutch execution allowed them to hold on for a 66–63 victory, securing a hard-earned win to open their IGG men’s campaign.

With victories on both fronts, Suriname take early command of the IGG basketball standings.

Basketball action continues today, with Suriname facing French Guiana in women’s action from 7:30 pm, while Guyana men’s side will face French Guiana in the night’s second game.

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French Guiana, Guyana, Kassidy Woolford, Maliha Samuels, Sherese Leacock, Suriname

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