Leaders Knights, Rebels face-off

Defending champions Urban Knights will be aiming to cement their spot in the Flow/National Basketball League (FNBL) play-offs today when they oppose Runnin' Rebels in a top-of-the-table Group A clash at University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Bowl, starting at 7:45 p.m.

In the curtain-raiser of a double-header, St George's Slayers will battle Portmore Mega Flames in one of two Group B matches. In the other Group B encounter, to be played at the National Stadium starting at 6:45 p.m., Majesty Gardens Legends will face mid-season champions, leaders Spanish Town Spartans.

In Group A's other game, at the National Stadium starting at 7:45 p.m., Link Up All Stars will oppose Selassie Gardens.

Knights, who are seeking their second consecutive hold on the island's premier basketball trophy, are tied with the Rebels atop the standings with two wins and one defeat. They are followed by Selassie Gardens, one win and two losses, and Link Up All Stars, who are still searching for their first win in the second round.

The Oniel Brown-coached Knights, the highest scoring team in the competition in this year, will be depending heavily on Fernando Young, Omar Barnes, Andre Murray and Oniel Mundel to lead their charge to victory.

However, the Pete Matthews-conditioned Rebels, who are still searching for their first hold on the trophy, are seeking to reach the quarter-finals for the second straight year. Their charge for a victory will be led by national representative Kemar McLeish and Omari Green.

Intriguing game expected

The Majesty Gardens-Spanish Town Spartans clash is expected to be a very intriguing game, as both teams are evenly matched. The Spartans, who captured the mid-season trophy two weeks ago, are slightly favoured to win this year's FNBL title. They lead the group with three wins from three matches.

They are followed by former champions Tivoli Gardens, three wins and one defeat; Slayers, three wins and one defeat; and the Legends, two wins and one defeat.

The Spartans' charge for victory will be led by national representative Lynford Brown, along with Javon Bailey, Christopher Jennings and Cleon McLean.

The Ludlow Barker-coached Legends will rest their hopes in the hands of captain Baldon Todd, Havando Dunn and Atain McLennon.