Tamaraws, Saints set to defend titles

RD Tuna Tamaraws (men) and NAS Saints (women) continued their winning streaks to remain unbeaten in Port Moresby’s Capital Basketball League A grade competition at Hohola Basketball Court over the weekend.
Both teams, who are defending champions, are unofficially leading the competition on 18 points each  in respective divisions.
In the men’s competition, Tamaraws thrashed Defence 97-65 and Saints  outclassed Ex-Diwai 100-55 while Chariots held off a rejuvenated Jazz 54-48.
Chariots had a good game in three quarters on a scoring spree which helped them beat the younger Jazz side.
Ivan Pekaea top scored with 22 points and with Vele Rupa on eight, Charlie Pekaea and Waga Asiba five points each while for Jazz, Saiki Narua also hit 22 points.
Last up in Defence, Ex-Diwai and Jazz have will need to lift their games especially after the latest showing from the competition favourites.
Reigning premiers Tamaraws, NAS Saints, Chariots, Exodus and Titans are setting the pace to secure the final spot.
Saints overpowered Ex-Diwai 40-18 in the women’s division while Jazz’s Nakita Travertz featured prominently in their 54-28 win over Chariots and the Tamarraw versus Defence match was deferred to a later date.
As the four quarters indicated 9-6, 20-8, 36-13 and 40-18 was evidence of experience at its best. Muri collect 20 points followed by Elavo and Nava Oeter on six points.
Ex-Diwai international Carol Moeder, Grace Kapao, Maria Voivo and Rebecca Dobunaba had to struggle against a form side but went down fighting.
Moeder, Kapoa, Moivo netted four points each while Veronica Karap scored three points.
Saints had the advantage in attack and defence with Muri, Waka, Diro and Taumata which help them win the game.