The Bajan Gems sparkled briefly and then faded badly to break the hearts of thousands of supporters when they lost the final game of the AFNA World Cup Qualifier to nemesis Trinidad and Tobago 51-65 at the Wildey Gymnasium last night.
The Gems were forced to rejig their line-up with shooter Shonica Wharton suffering an ailment, which later affected key defender Shonette Azore-Bruce who had to leave the match and a big hole in Barbados’ defence.
The high-jumping Shonte Seale was also ill in spite of playing the entire match, but she was below par.
Even so, with the talented Latonia Blackman, who ended with a perfect 25 goals from 25 shots leading the way, the Gems dazzled in the first quarter, leading 6-3 before the Trinis stifling defence and the class of professionals Samantha Wallace (39-41) and Kalifa McCollin (26-28) saw the quarter ending tied at 15. (KB)
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