PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad June 7, 2026 Spartans TT preserved their unbeaten record in dramatic fashion on Saturday night, escaping with a thrilling 98-96 victory over Royalty in the featured Men's First Division contest of the Lincoln “Cripple” Griffith North Zone Basketball League at the Woodbrook Youth Facility.

In a game that delivered excitement until the final whistle, Spartans secured their third consecutive win after veteran Tristan Benjamin knocked down the decisive basket in the closing moments.

Both teams matched each other in the closing minutes of the contest and either were in contention to steal the victory late in the fourth quarter. Reuel Martin scored four crucial points while Jairzhino Springer calmly converted two free throws as Royalty reached 96 points. Spartan's Zachary Julien drilled a clutch three-pointer, setting the stage for Benjamin's game-winning heroics.

Julien led Spartans offensively with 25 points, continuing his impressive start to the season. Idris Martis added 16 points, while Theron Evelyn contributed 12 and William Francis chipped in 10.

Royalty was paced by Jason Best's 20 points, with Khushaiah King adding 19. Martin finished with 11 points, including his key late-game contributions.

The contest was tightly contested throughout. Royalty held a 29-24 advantage after the opening quarter before Spartans surged ahead 55-50 by halftime. Spartans maintained control through three quarters, leading 78-71, and survived Royalty's late comeback attempt to secure the two-point victory.

Quarter Scores:

1st Quarter: Royalty 29, Spartans TT 24 Halftime: Spartans TT 55, Royalty 50 3rd Quarter: Spartans TT 78, Royalty 71 Final: Spartans TT 98, Royalty 96

Clippers Cruise in Second Division

Earlier, Caledonia Clippers delivered a commanding performance to defeat Val New Generation 68-44 in Second Division action.

Akil Payther led the Clippers with 17 points, while Brian Sancho added 13. Salim Greenidge and Akile La Roache each scored 10 points as Caledonia controlled the game from start to finish.

Kyle Miller and Richard Munro scored 13 points apiece for Val New Generation.

The Clippers led comfortably at every break, 10-3 after the first quarter, 35-13 at halftime, and 54-25 entering the final period.

Pacers Roll Past Royalty in U17 Division

Maloney Pacers continued their strong form with a convincing 92-75 victory over Royalty in the Under-17 Division.

N'Kobie Ince produced a standout performance with a game-high 32 points. Josha Fontenelle and Jeverson Augustine each added 16 points, while Tyrese Singh contributed 15.

Royalty received a strong effort from Kimani John, who scored 31 points. Jakeem King added 19, Jaquin Simon finished with 15, and Kobe Solomon chipped in 10.

Pacers led throughout, building quarter advantages of 20-13, 46-35, and 72-58 before closing out the 17-point win.

East West Vets Defeat Spartans in Over-45 Division

In Over-45 competition, East West Vets earned a 60-49 victory over Spartans TT Vets.

East West led from the opening quarter and never relinquished control, holding advantages of 14-11, 27-19, and 36-32 before pulling away in the final period.

Nigel Ince led a balanced East West attack with 11 points, while Ryan Spencer, Edwaldo Bernard, and Marlon Thomas also finished with 11 points each.

The victory capped another entertaining evening of basketball action in the Lincoln “Cripple” Griffith North Zone Basketball League.