Knights, Chiefs extend winning streak

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Urban Knights registered their third consecutive victory in the Flow National Basketball League, scoring an easy 81-52 win over the Blazing Panthers on Tuesday night at the National Stadium Courts.

In the day's other game, Braves Chiefs recorded their third win of the season - a nail-biting 79-78 victory over Runnin' Rebels.

Lascelles Johnson led the way for the Chiefs with a team-high 19 points and eight rebounds. Howard Edwards (18 points and 10 rebounds), Jason McIntosh (15 points) and Osmond Farquharson (12 points) also contributed to the Chiefs' win.

Omari Green (31 points), Kienan Tait Cesar (13) and Phillip Anderson (12) were the main scorers for the Pete Mathews-coached Rebels, who were suffering their second consecutive defeat of the season.

Taking control

The Knights, who last won back-to-back titles in 2007-08, took control of the match from the opening whistle as they quickly established a 26-10 lead at the end of the first period.

Centre Oneil Mundle scored eight of his game-high 18 points in the second quarter as the Calvin Martin-coached Knights outscored the Panthers (21-15) to take a 47-25 lead at half-time.

The Panthers failed to contain the Knights' free-scoring spree in the third stanza, with poor defending and silly turnovers leading to their downfall, as the Knights eased to a 62-35 lead after three quarters.

Mundle got major support from national representative Javon Bailey, (14 points, seven steals and five assist) and Andre Murray (14 points).

Massive victory

Despite the massive victory, Martin said there is still room for improvement.

"It was good victory, but I am still not pleased with our quality of play," said Martin.

"We are still not playing organised basketball, but this is mainly because of the delay of the league," he said. "However, I am confident that the more games we play we will definitely get better so that we will be able to make a serious push for the title this year."

Linford Brown (12 points) and Dushane White (11 points) were the main scorers for the Donald Bimmer-coached Panthers.