Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Despite squandering a sizeable first-half lead, Ardenne High repelled a late fourth-quarter surge by St. George's College to come away 54-53 winners in Game One of the ISSA/KFC Schoolboy Basketball Under-16 final at Ardenne High yesterday.

Centre Alex Lubsy pounded in 23 points and hauled in 15 rebounds as the home team stood firm to stave off a spirited run by the visiting St. George's team in the final quarter.

Headed into half time, the visitors had found themselves down by 15 points with the score at 34-19. A furious start to the third quarter saw St. George's reel off 10 straight points to get right back in the game. Lubsy, however, dominated in the paint to restore order for Ardenne, who found themselves with a small 44-37 lead headed into the final quarter. St. George's guard Patrick Dillon, who top-scored for his team with 15 points, would take the game to Ardenne as he drove hard to the basket to keep his team in the game.

St. George's centre Daniel Pitter also did an admirable job in the paint for the visitors with his contribution 15 points and 18 rebounds. However, down by three points at 54-51, and with 15 seconds left, Dillon hoisted an ill-advised three-pointer which saw Ardenne take the rebound and wrap up the game.

Despite the win, Ardenne coach Basil Barrett was furious with his team for squandering the lead.

"We were leading and we tried to give the game away by moving away from the things that got us the lead in the first place," he explained.

Although disappointed with the loss, St. George's coach Clifford Brown believes his team will be back in it and is confident ahead of the next match.

"We were there but we did not make it to the top of the hill, it was just a little inexperience at the end," Brown said.

Game Two of the final will take place tomorrow at St. George's at 3:00 p.m. while Wolmer's will host St. Jago in Game One of the Under-19 final this afternoon at 3:00 p.m.