Exodus begin march in premier city basketball comp

 By JACK AMI

FORMER PNG guard Peter Davani, saved Exodus with a final shoot on the buzzer to give his team a 101-99 win over Tamaraws in the PNG Men’s Basketball League premier season.

It was a cliff hanger at the Filipino Association PNG Club House as both sides traded basket for basket.

With two seconds remaining on the clock, Tamaraws Wally Parapa marched to the free throw line but missed both shots.

On the rebound, Davani sped to the opposite side of the court and on the buzzer, shot an impressive three-pointer.

Exodus with Davani, Dia Muri and former PNG international Collin Kila’s inclusion, young Jonathan Tuna and Obert Muri, matched the opposition’s Parapa and Elavo brothers Gabriel, Don and their uncle Harold.

The defending premiers were without the services of Apia Muri who teamed up with Tamaraws.

Oro Governor Gary Juffa was there to officiate the opening of the 2014 season.

In the other encounter, a relatively youthful Moresby West Jokers went down fighting to an experienced Flames side 103-95.

Flames big-buys in former Jokers Joe Elavo, Tamaraws Charles Parapa, Exodus’ Purari Muri and Lune played commanding roles for the competition new-comers.

Jokers youngsters Garry Suve, Tom Mare, Daniel Aila Kone and Ali Aila Polo gave their best against basketball big guns in PNG international Elavo, Muri and Parapa.

But the youngsters needed to polish up on their defence, which took a battering on the perimeter as the offensive served out dangerous rebounds.

In the main fixture, Saints proved too strong for Chariots and won 101- 97. Standings: Exodus 2, Saints 2, Flames 2, Tamaraws 0, Jokers 0 and Chariots 0.