SHEPHERDS of Tema last Monday stretched star-studded Braves of CEPS to their wits end in the ongoing Kabalan Thome basketball tournament at the Lebanon House, Tudu.

At the end of the game, which went into extra time, only one basket separated the two teams, with the Braves winning 68-66.

This was one match Shepherds deserved to win hands down. They took a commanding lead in the first three quarters with stylish Meme Falcomer giving CEPS a lot to worry about.

No wonder when he lost his place in the team in the fourth and final quarter, having committed five personal fouls, Braves had a lot of breathing space and quickly organised themselves to carry the day.

Indeed, Shepherds went into the last quarter with a 56-42 lead but their attack completely broke down and fans were kept on their toes as Braves narrowed down the difference and eventually took over the lead at 62-61 in the final stages with Suka Muktari and Kwame Mensah as the chief tomentors.

In the final seconds, however, Kweku Borsah scored one of his two free throws for Shepherds to bring the score to 62-62 and force the game into extra time.

Not surprisingly, Braves continued their dominance during the extra time and stretched their lead to 67-62 within two minutes. As the game drew to a close, Shepherds came back strongly, but it was too little, too late.

In the other Group A match played on Monday, Yotive of Police Depot defeated Matthias Ocloo’s St Joseph CYO 47-43.

In Group B encounters, Reformers of Prisons Service defeated Magic Phoenicians of Tudu 65-52 while Fire Service walloped Lebanon Youth 88-42.

The competition enters the fourth day today with four more matches being played.

In Group A, Nima Flames face CYO at 3 p.m., while Shepherds take on Yotive of Police Depot at 5.20 p.m.

In Group B, Fire Service meet Holy Family at 4.20 p.m., while Reformers of Prisons Service sort things out with Lebanon Youth at 6.30 p.m.