Beltway Bombers capture third APBL title

Derrell Armstrong

After a wild week off the court, the American Professional Basketball League crowned a champion Saturday night in Willingboro (NJ). That is where the southern Maryland based Beltway Bombers needed overtime to defeat host New Jersey Thunder 126-105.

The championship is the third for the Bombers (13-2) who previously won in 2017 and 2012. New Jersey Thunder (12-3) were league champions in 2015 and 2016.

Beltway Bombers reached the championship game after defeating Harford Bucs 124-97 on April 13. Originally played as the APBL South Conference semifinal, the game was changed on April 24 when the league president removed all APBL North Conference teams.

Manhattan Pride and Empire State Basketball Bears also played Saturday in what was first billed as the APBL North Conference championship. Empire State won the game 129-115. It was the conclusion of an eight-team playoff with the top two seed ending in the final. Pride defeated TE United (138-112) and New York Fighting Crusaders (118-110) to earn their spot against the top seeded Bears.

Derrell Armstrong (6'1''-G-91, college: UNCG) of the Bombers was named championship game MVP as well as league MVP.

APBL Champions

2011 Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers
2012 Beltway Bombers
2013 New York City 524
2014 Metropolitan All-Stars
2015 New Jersey Thunder
2016 New Jersey Thunder
2017 Beltway Bombers
2018 DE Eastern Shore Generals
2019 Beltway Bombers