Buffalos unleash whip on Jokers

 By JACK AMI

DEFENDING champions Moni Plus Tamaraws taught Moresby West Jokers a lesson with a 28-point caning in Round 7 of PNG Men’s Basketball League last Thursday.

The 90-62 score line ensured the water buffalos stamped their authority over one of the competition’s rising forces after their shock 102- 99 loss to the Jokers in Round 2. 

Tamaraws kept ahead of their younger opposition by controlling the pace in attack and defence to run away with the match in the final quarter.

The result elevated the reigning champions to second spot with unbeaten leaders Exodus comfortably in front after seven rounds. Jokers are on third place followed by Propest Chariots and cellar dwellers Lamana Saints.

The high flying Exodus will need to be looking over their shoulders as their last season’s finals nemesis starts to time their run into the playoffs.  

Tamarraws’ win was engineered by the Parapa brothers Charles and Wally, Robert Kave and sharp shooter Gabriel Elavo. 

The return of former international Bernard Elavo added another dimension to their offensive plays.

Turnovers in the third quarter enabled Tamaraws to push out to a 62-48 and the men in white and red did not look back.

Jokers inexperience as a unit was exposed by the wily Elavo who provided the point of difference in what was initially an even tussle. 

The loss is the Jokers’ worst defeat since joining the semi-professional competition this season, but coach Fred Elavo said his boys would learn from the experience. 

Tomorrow, Jokers meet an equally determined Chariots and on Thursday, the top-of-the-table clash features last season’s finalists Exodus and Tamaraws.