The Police Crimestoppers defeated the John Brown University Golden Eagles 81-78 in a thrilling game at the AF Adderley Gymnasium. Dion McPhee scored a critical putback with just 4.3 seconds remaining, securing the win and finishing with 15 points overall. Garvin Clarke Jr. led the Crimestoppers with 18 points, earning MVP honors. The game featured several lead changes, with both teams battling hard throughout. John Brown, despite the loss, fought valiantly, with Trae Getting scoring 16 points. Coach Vernon Stubbs praised his team’s resilience and preparation, highlighting the home court advantage.
ON THE REPLAY: The Police Crimestoppers triumphed over the visiting John Brown University Golden Eagles men’s basketball team 81-78 last night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
By BRENT STUBBS
Chief Sports Editor
Dion McPhee delivered a crucial putback with 4.3 seconds remaining, helping the Police Crimestoppers secure a 81-78 victory over the visiting John Brown University Golden Eagles men’s basketball team.
Last night’s match at the AF Adderley Gymnasium wrapped up the Golden Eagles’ week-long visit to The Bahamas from Arkansas, but the Crimestoppers were resolute in preventing them from leaving with a win.
McPhee, who contributed four points in the fourth quarter during the Crimestoppers’ remarkable comeback, finished the game with 15 points. He admitted he nearly missed the opportunity but was relieved to come through.
“I noticed my big man (Richard Lowe) going in for a lay-up, but in this game, anything can happen, so I focused and managed to grab the offensive rebound and put it back up to put my team ahead,” he stated.
“This was a solid exhibition win for us to prepare for the government league. We need to sharpen our skills and improve certain aspects for the upcoming league.”
Garvin Clarke Jr, back from school, led the Police with a game-high 18 points and was awarded the most valuable player title.
Lowe, also returning from school, added 12 points, while Adam Johnson contributed 11. Dastyn Baker chipped in with nine.
Police’s head coach Vernon Stubbs noted that with the talent at his disposal, the Crimestoppers were simply more determined in the closing moments, buoyed by the home court advantage and supportive fans.
“We faced a good team, but our guys were prepared. We thank God for the victory,” he said. “Being ready lets you handle anything. Defence wins games, and my team showed resilience—that’s what secured our win.”
For the Golden Eagles, Trae Getting scored 16 points, joining three teammates in double figures. Carter Carbonell had 14, LePra George contributed 13, and Jack Ullom finished with 10.
Despite the defeat, John Brown’s head coach Jason Beschta anticipated a tough contest down to the end.
“After observing the earlier games and the immense talent here, we knew we’d need to fight hard for this match,” he said. “Ending this trip in such a close game was a fitting conclusion.”
As the game commenced, Johnson made two block shots, and Lowe scored a few baskets inside, while Clarke Jr hit some shots to give Police the lead by the end of the first quarter.
After being behind in the first quarter, the Golden Eagles hit several three-pointers to close the gap to one, 28-27. However, the Crimestoppers responded with a couple of three-pointers to remain ahead 36-32.
John Brown University fought back to tie the game at 36-36 and then took the lead with a three-pointer at 39-36. Despite a three-pointer followed by a lay-up from Clarke Jr at the buzzer, the Crimestoppers trailed 48-47 at halftime.
In the first two minutes of the third quarter, Johnson had two consecutive dunks, leveling the game at 52-52 for the Police. The score remained tied for much of the period before the Golden Eagles took a 69-65 lead at the end of the third.
In the first minute and a half of the fourth, the Police closed the gap to 71-70. With 3:16 left, Lowe drove in to give the Crimestoppers a 78-76 advantage.
With two minutes remaining, Boaz Camp made a reverse lay-up to tie the game at 78-78. At the one-minute mark, Golden Eagles’ Battle fouled out, but Johnson missed both free throws for the Crimestoppers.
Following a few missed chances for both teams, McPhee scored the crucial putback with 4.3 seconds left, putting the Crimestoppers ahead 80-78. Clarke Jr then sealed the victory with his final two free throws.
A few other games featuring local teams took place before the main event, but their scores were not recorded.