Exodus show Tamaraws the door in nail-biter

 THE Papua New Guinea Men’s Basketball League A grade champions Exodus edged out Tamaraws 53-52 in round one of the season proper at the Hohola basketball courts on Sunday.

Exodus came back in the second quarter to lead 24-12 after a fast start from Tamaraws.

In the third quarter, Exodus picked up 17 points and opposition 14 to lead 47-37.

Tamaraws reorganised in the final quarter with former PNG guard Bernard Elavo, Jim Ken, Kirinald Manu, Vincent Diulo and Jordan Mea piling on 16 points but missed several easy attempts in the last 60 seconds to go down by a point.

Exodus’ Obert Muri, Jordan Taimbari, Aua Obbie, Anderson Timothy and Freddy Dickson missed some scoring chances but in the end the side that committed the fewer errors came out on top. 

In the other encounter, new comers Flames beat last season’s grand finalists Moresby West Jokers 53- 48.

They ended the Jokers unbeaten preseason streak of three wins.

Meanwhile, the premier division tips off on Saturday at the Filipino PNG Club House in Gordon, with Jokers taking on Flames. 

On Sunday, Saints face Chariots, while Exodus and Tamaraws replay last year’s grand final.