BVI Basketball Association Summer League

EAST Survives VG Elite in Game 1 Thriller, Takes 1–0 Series Lead

EAST opened the Winston Bolus 2026 National Basketball League championship series with a hard-fought 68–62 victory over VG Elite on Saturday night at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, taking a 1–0 lead in the best-of-five series.

VG Elite came out strong, taking a 21–13 lead after the first quarter, but EAST responded in the second to pull within two at halftime, 31–29. The teams battled evenly through the third quarter, with EAST holding a narrow 43–40 advantage heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter belonged to EAST. With the championship opener hanging in the balance, EAST produced a strong offensive finish, outscoring VG Elite 25–13 to secure the six-point victory.

Jahmai Jones and Jamari Dagou led EAST with 15 points apiece, while Demoii Dagou added 14 points and 9 rebounds. Romain Minott contributed 12 points, while Shakeem Tyson was a force on the boards, grabbing an impressive 17 rebounds while adding 8 points and 4 blocks.

VG Elite was led by Shamar George, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Demron Glasgow and Jolyon Wilson each added 10 points, while Stephano Paul finished with 9.

Despite the loss, VG Elite showed throughout the game that the series could be a closely contested battle. EAST's ability to finish strong, however, gave the undefeated team the early advantage.

With Game 2 scheduled for Sunday night, VG Elite will look to even the series at 1–1, while EAST will attempt to take a commanding 2–0 lead before the championship battle continues.

The series is just getting started, and Sunday night's Game 2 promises another intense showdown.