The action gets underway in the game between BVI Bayside Blazers and Dutch St Maarten at the 6th annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ Basketball Tournament in Philipsburg, St Maarten on July 18, 2019. Photo: VINO

BVI Bayside Blazers big man Kleon C. Penn is sent to the free throw line by Dutch St Maarten. Photo: VINO

Melvin H. Haynes III of BVI Bayside Blazers is guarded by a Dutch St Maarten player during their clash on July 18, 2019. Photo: VINO

Head Coach Ronald Simmons aka ‘Gola’, right, speaking to the BVI Bayside Blazers players in their tough matchup with Dutch St Maarten on July 18, 2019. Photo: VINO

The final score in favour of BVI Bayside Blazers. Photo: VINO

Deon M. Blyden of BVI Bayside Blazers seeks to add to the team score from the free throw line in the game against Dutch St Maarten on July 18, 2019. Photo: VINO

Kleon C. Penn of BVI Bayside Blazers slam dunks against Aruba game at the 6th annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ Basketball Tournament in Philipsburg, St Maarten on July 14, 2019. Photo: Battle of the Fittest/Facebook

Team BVI Bayside Blazers at the 6th annual ‘Battle of the Fittest’ Basketball Tournament in Philipsburg, St Maarten on July 14, 2019. Photo: Battle of the Fittest/Facebook

Blazers, the official representative of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the championship, edged St Maarten 84-83 at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium last night, July 18, 2019.

The terrific trio of Adrian D. Joseph (2 rebounds, 2 assists), Killven M. Samuel (7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assist) and Deon J. Edwin (5 rebounds, 8 assists) were again the men leading the BVI Bayside Blazers attack.

All three players ended with 16 points apiece.

The determined Dutch St Maarten were led by D. Phillip who netted a game high 23 points and G. Plaisir who scored 13.

The two teams; however, will have to do battle all over again tonight, July 19, 2019 as they are slated to play each other in the first semi-final of the championship.

That game is set for 7:00pm.

The second semi-final, at 9:00pm, will be between Dominican Republic and Aruba, who beat Curacao last night, 89-50, to earn a spot in the final four.

Teams are competing for a grand prize of US $5,000.