Southern Flames rise

Sports

By HENRY MORABANG
REIGNING Champions Southern Flames beat Tamaraws 99-83 in a great match-up in the PNG Men’s Basketball League (PMBL) challenge last Sunday.
The win was good for Flames as they kept their winning record intact over Ferdinand Boyat’s coach side.
Boasting representative players in Apia Muri, Moses Lune and Charlie Parapa, the Moi Muri-coached teamsurged back in the final two quarters to snatch victory.
Apia, who top-scored with 23 points which included a dunk and two three pointers, set the pace for his Kutubu Security Services-sponsored team.
Moses Lune was eight points behind Apia while Obert Muri was not far behind with 14 points.
Tamaraws started the game well but turn-overs helped Flames to come from behind to race away to a 26-19 lead in the opening quarter.
The second quarter was more interesting with both teams exchanging the lead but Flames held on to a 40-33 advantage.
The third quarter was dominated by Flames while the Moni Plus-sponsored team struggled to find their rhythm.
Their inconsistency in collecting rebounds and the support play had them trailing (59-68) by the end of three-quarter time.
The final quarter saw the Flames pile on 31 points to Tamaraws 24 to win.
In the second match of the afternoon, Emperado beat Chariots 99-80 while Saints continue theuir finals march with a 76-60 win over West Jokers.
Results: Flames 99 Tamarraws 83, Emperado 99 Chariots 80, Saints 76 West Jokers 60.