Tamaraws eye Jokers

 By JACK AMI

IT’S another big game as defending champions Moni Plus Tamaraws try to maintain their winning form against Moresby West Jokers in Round 7 of the PNG Men’s Basketball League at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex tonight.

Tamaraws held off the Westerners by three points 102-99 the last time their met and are prepared to keep the youngsters on the backfoot when they face off on the court.

Jokers lost this encounter in the crucial stages cruelled by poor free throw attempts.

Tamaraws coached by Boyet Daroya and Bernard Elavo can boast a wealth of experience in their ranks more than capable of repeating the dose over the new comers.

Both teams are currently sharing the second spot and the winner will be outright second.

Jokers as a new team in the competition have nothing to lose and are determined with assistant coach Fred Elavo building a good understanding with the youngsters to be competitive.

Elavo has injected a lot of confidence and spirit in the team polishing up on the team’s play to establish a winning formula as the season progresses to the best-of-three playoffs.

The buffaloes will rely heavily on the experience of Parapa brothers Charles and Wally, Robert Kave, Richard Arava and fast rising sharp shooter Gabriel Elavo to lead the assault. 

They are the key to the side’s defence of the crown and will not be an easy to depose in this challenge. 

Jokers centre Joe Elavo and brother Harold will combine with new recruit Phil Gearhan to add the deft touches to finish off the big game.

Both sides will also call on their youngsters with Tamaraws’ Emmanuel Parapa, Greg Travertz opposing Gary Holmes, Tom Mare, Daniel Aila Kone, Alu Pundu and Ali Aila Polo of Jokers.

On Tuesday night Exodus beat Lamana Saints 100-79 in an one-sided affair that did not reach any great heights.

Again Exodus’ Muri brothers Apia, Purari and Bomai were outstanding in out-playing and out-hustling a disorganised opposition to remain unbeaten after six rounds of PMBL action.

Exodus under the guidance of former international guard Moses Koiri has instilled a lot of discipline in the boys helping them to an enviable unbeaten streak. 

Saints are slowly picking up some form but still need to put a four quarter effort or they will end up with the dreaded wooden spoon for this season.