Tamaraws eye fifth title

REIGNING premiers Tamaraws will meet highflying Exodus in this weekend’s Capital Basketball League men’s grand final as underdogs.
Tamaraws coach Boyet Daroya is confident that they can retain the title despite their underdogs’ tag this season.
“Although, Exodus had won the last three games, the grand final is a completely, fresh game and can be won by anybody who can convert every opportunity. We have been there and did that four times, Daroya said.
For Exodus, they are eager to end Tamaraws’ reign in the men’s competition.
Daroya said his team was aiming for their fifth title in seven seasons after first winning the title in their maiden appearance in 2004.
However, it was a busy scheduled for the team with most of the Tamaraws players  selected for the 2005 Mini Games. During that event, PNG finished fourth.
During 2005 season, the club was penalised for administrative matters and did not field a team for the following season (2006).
In 2007, Tamaraws returned to CBL and have since won the next three titles.
He said Exodus had beaten Tamaraws three times already this season with big margins.
“They have beaten Tamaraws during the minor semi-finals but Tamaraws bounce back to defeat Saints in the major semis to book a grand final showdown against arch-rivals, Exodus,” he said.
Exodus have strengthened their line-up with the inclusion of Purari and Dia Muri up the ranks to help Apiah Muri, Peter Davani and Civan Koiri.
Tamaraws are expected to match up the talented Exodus squad with Joe Elavo, Slieve Mohu, Harold Elavo, Robert Kave and Wally Parapa.
Coming off the bench are Bernard Elavo, Soi Ben, Gabriel and Don Elavo.
In the women’s grand final, reigning premiers Snax Saints will have to put all stops to the challenge from underdogs Look N Scoop Jazz.
They will start with Paisoi sisters, Susan and Justine, Priscilla Rasehei, Ethel Narua and Augerea Gigimat who will be out to spoil the party and deny the reigning premiers to another title.
They are very determined to claim the title after disposing of Tamaraws and Dream Inn Exodus in the elimination rounds.
Jazz will be depending on the Paisoi sisters, Susan and Justine who can combine well in offence to the team’s advantage.
With height advantage they can dominate at both ends of the court and have more possession of the ball to control the tempo of the game.
At the top of the keyway their offensive play will be dictated by Rasehei and Gigimat with able support from Narua.
But Saints, with more experience in the finals, will be calling on their two formidable guards, Marca Muri and Nape Waks, to control of the pressure.