Flames, Tamaraws clash for top two

 REIGNING premiers Southern Flames and the Tamaraws face-off in a top-of-the-table fixture in the PNG Men’s Basketball Round 13 match at the Filipino Association indoor court tomorrow.

With the best-of-three semi-final series around the corner, the teams jostling for the other two slots are Saints, Exodus and Chariots.

The Flames-Tamaraws match tips off at 8pm.

Flames coach Moi Muri and his opposite Boyet Daroya are both aware that a win will put them in the clear as the minor premiership is still up for grabs with two games remaining.

Both sides offence and defence will be tested and the onus will be on their guards to make set-up plays that will result in points every time they get in range.

Flames star-studded line-up of Muri brothers Apia and Purari, Elavo brothers Joe and Gabriel, Charles Parapa and Moses Lune are the men that can lead the Flames to another title.

The Buffaloes are not to be discounted, with the experienced Orlando Daroya, Wally Parapa, Greg Travertz, Don Elavo and Emmanuel Parapa — but they will still be smarting from their 88-85 upset loss to the Saints.

On Sunday, it’s another thriller between the Saints and the Chariots, who are both in contention for a semi-final berth. The winner will most likely be that team that sets itself up for the finals.

Monday’s showdown has Exodus taking on last-placed West Jokers in a game that could be dangerous for Exodus if they turn up with a complacent attitude.

Standings: Flames 24, Tamaraws 20, Saints 10, Chariots 8, Exodus 8, West Jokers 4.