Knights hunt consecutive FNBL titles

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The 2013 Flow/National Basketball League (FNBL) final between defending champions Urban Knights and Spanish Town Spartans is set to tip off today at the University of Technology (UTech) Auditorium starting at 7:45 p.m.

The game was scheduled for last Sunday at the National Stadium but was postponed because of heavy rain.

In the opening game of a scheduled double-header, former champions Tivoli Wizards will battle St Georges Slayers starting at 6 p.m.

The Knights, who are seeking their second consecutive hold on the FNBL title, will enter today's contest oozing with confidence, after ending the first round with 10 wins and one defeat. The Oneil Brown-coached Knights, the highest scoring team in the competition, defeated the Spartans in the preliminary round of the tournament.

Despite last Sunday's postponement, Kevin Alexander, assistant coach of the Knights, is expressing confidence ahead of today's game.

"I am expecting a very tough final," said Alexander. "They have good players and they are also big inside, but I think that this game is going to come down to who plays the best defence," he said.

The Knights will depend heavily on shooting guard Omar Barnes, point guard Fernando Young, shooting guard Andrew Murray, forward Ian Gooden and centre Oneil Mundle to lead their charge to victory.

The Spartans, who are the second-highest scoring side in the competition, also ended the round with 10 victories and one loss.

Marlon Beale, manager of the Spartans, said his team is ready and raring to go, as they aim to avenge their preliminary round defeat to the Knights.

"We are confident of taking this victory," said Beale. "We have put in the work in training and we have been playing well throughout the season, and our players are looking forward to taking home this title."

Shooting guard and national player, Lynford Brown, the top shooter in the league this season, will lead the Spartans' charge for victory along with point guard Javon Bailey, forward Christopher Jennings and centre Cleon McLean.

Meanwhile, in results from Wednesday's second round matches, Majesty Gardens Legends defeated the Wizards 78-73. The Legends were led to victory courtesy of a game-high 22 points from Havando Dunn. He received good support from Baldon Todd who contributed 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.