Knights, Tivoli in Flow/NBL face-off

LEADERS Urban Knights and defending champions Tivoli Wizards will square off tonight at 7:00 at the University of Technology in the most-anticipated clash of the Southern Conference in the Flow/National Basketball League.

These two teams are widely expected to meet in the National Finals beginning on May 19, and the UTech Sundays showpiece, a family entertainment spectacle, will provide the best environment for bragging rights for fans of the Knights or the Wizards.

As of Friday, Knights have a nominal lead in the Southern Conference with 16 points (seven wins, two losses), ahead of the Wizards 15 points (seven wins, one loss), Majesty Legends 14 points (six wins, two losses), Swift Sons 13 points, St George's Slayers 12 points, Runnin Rebels and Waterhouse Blazers 11 points (three wins, five losses), Braves Chiefs 11 points (two wins, seven losses), JDF and Blazing Panthers 10 points (three wins, four losses), Portmore Flames 10 points (two wins, six losses), and Selassie Gardens 9 points (two wins, six losses).

While it has been a while since Tivoli have beaten the Knights, the former champions hit a bad patch Friday when Runnin Rebels defeated them 67-57 for their second loss this season.

Omari Green scored a game-high 14 points (8 rebounds) for the Rebels with the 6ft 10in Oneil Mundle taking charge for the Knights with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks.

Meanwhile, the Wizards have found a new home at the UTech Sundays classic, playing their last match there when they overwhelmed Swift Sons, 67-53, with Anthony Farquharson and Kirk Ferguson leading the charge for the defending champions.

Should these players fail to spark, the 6ft 9in Andrew Whilby, who has not had a good season so far, is expected to step up.

At 5:00 pm, Portmore Flames will go up against the Swift Sons.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, Pure Playaz remain unbeaten with six points, one ahead of Morant Bay Warriors, followed by Yallahs Gators and Portland Pistons and Buff Bay Hawks.

In the Central Conference, Spaulding Hippers are on top with 11 points, ahead of Manchester Pythons 11, Team Aaah nine, Victory eight, and Nain More Ups seven points.

For the Western Conference, Hoopers are ahead with 10 points, with unbeaten Catherine All Stars on nine, Railway Tigers eight, and Innercity Avalanche and Granville Jaguars seven.



Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Knights--Tivoli-in-Flow-NBL-face-off_8588609#ixzz1HpuL65Lm