By: Corlecia Brower

Game Two:
It was the second game in the finals of three as the University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) La Coupe tournament wound down to a close.

This was the anticipated game between East Carib and Trinidad and Tobago, the game that would determine whether there would be a faceoff for the championship or would this be the final night. As spectators poured out to witness the game, many could not contain their excitement as they anticipated the outcome.

As the game began it quickly gained momentum as both teams fought fiercely to get ahead of the other; the game progressed with neither of the teams in total control during the first half.

The first half ended with East Carib and Trinidad and Tobago 29 and 37 points respectively. During the half time break spectators were entertained with lots of drumming, dancing and singing from persons representing Trinidad and Tobago.

Even as the game progressed, spectators could be heard strongly cheering on their respective teams and expressing their massive support with flags and colours to represent their teams. The crowd, mostly in favour of East Carib, exploded with excitement when Shaundel Gordon of East Carib did a massive dunk breaking the tie between the teams from 60 sending East Carib two points ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.

With just a few minutes remaining in the game, it was evident that both teams were giving their best to determine the anticipated result. In the end East Carib won against Trinidad and Tobago with 66 and 60 points respectively,.

Supporters for the East Carib team ran out on the court to greet and cheer their team for a well deserved victory. As a result of East Carib and Trinidad and Tobago each securing a game apiece in the finals of the La Coupe tournament, a third and final game was expected to take place to determine the 2008 USC La
Coupe Champion.

Game Three:
Following the spectacular opening of the University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) annual La Coupe tournament a number of games were played and the well anticipated finals had arrived. After the previously competitive games between Trinidad and Tobago and East Carib, supporters from both teams surrounded the USC basketball court for the final game between Trinidad and Tobago and East Carib.

Even as the game got started it was evident that both teams were prepared to put in their best effort towards
being the 2008 La Coupe champions.

As both teams fought to be in control of the game, it was observed that East Carib supporters outnumbered the hosts, Trinidad and Tobago. It became difficult to hear the game’s commentator because of the cheering, screaming and drumming by both sets of supporters in an effort to cheer on their teams.

It was difficult for Trinidad and Tobago to maintain their lead because of the fierce determination of the opposing East Carib team. Even as the first half of the game ended with Trinidad and Tobago in the lead by a few points , the East Carib Team picked up a fierce pace in the second half competing for the lead in the game.

Garvey Milton of East Carib scored a massive three pointer with just over a minute left in the game and Trinidad and Tobago leading by one point. With 1.4 seconds remaining on the clock, the final buzzer went off which prompted the Trinidad and Tobago supporters to flood the court to greet their team members. This caused a massive protest from East Carib supporters for the referee to call a technical since the game was not over.

After efforts were made to clear the court of the crowd, the game resumed but no technical was called on Trinidad and Tobago, clearly infuriating the East Carib supporters who argued that a technical was called against them earlier in the game.

The La Coupe tournament ended with Trinidad and Tobago as the 2008 champions, this caused serious unrest among supporters of East Carib who thought their team was treated unfairly.

Nevertheless, as the winning team was met with hugs, songs, screams and cheers from their supporters, fireworks filled the air to end a massive 2008 University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) 2008 La Coupe tournament. The Valley Voice would like to wish all the teams that participated best wishes and better luck next year.