ST JOHN’S, Antigua – In a top of the table ABBA Division 1 match-up on Sunday night, Big Banana Express handed Courts Outlaws their first defeat of the competition.

Express entered the game – the second of the evening at JSC Sports Complex – with a record of three wins and one loss.

They took the fight to Outlaws and had a comfortable lead at the half, 47-21. However, Outlaws narrowed the score to only 10 points before Express could add to their halftime advantage.

Express showed no signs of relenting and won the battle, edging their opponents, 84-80.

Lindsay McDonald scored 22 points; George Francis had 16 points and six steals, and Kareem Blair got a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Express, while Russell Daley produced 21 points, nine assists and nine steals, Felix Hamilton shot 22 points, and R Dickenson added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

In the first game, New Thriving Roots narrowly edged Akhimo, 72-71, in a very close contest throughout.

Roots’ Terry Roberts had a big night, contributing 20 points, 15 rebounds, five steals and six assists. Team-mates Omarie Bhambus scored 12 points, and Eril Quallis picked up 11 points and six steals.

Nigel Joseph scored 19 points for Akhimo; Keroi Lee added 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Earl Lavishare, 12 points.

The competition is sponsored by Cool & Smooth and Stag Beer. Matches are being played at JSC and Ottos Sports complexes nightly.