Legends in must-win showdown today

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Tivoli Wizards will be hoping to secure their third consecutive hold on the Flow National Basketball League (NBL) Southern Conference title, when they oppose Majesty Legends in Game Two of the best-of-three finals today at the National Stadium Courts, starting at 7 p.m.

The Wizards lead the series 1-0, following their 79-73 victory over the Legends in Game One on Thursday night at the same venue.

The Edward 'Ted' Marshall-coached Wizards, who are also the league champions, were led to victory courtesy of Kirk Ferguson's game-high 25 points and seven rebounds. Ferguson received solid support from Anthony Farquharson (22 points and 12 rebounds) and Andy Smith (10 points).

"I am confident that we will definitely close it out on Saturday," said Marshall. "Once we play better defence than we did in Game One then we should win this game quite comfortably."

The Wizards led 26-19 after the first quarter.

However, the Legends rallied in the second period to outscore the Wizards (23-14), to take a 42-40 lead at half-time.

The west Kingston-based Wizards, stepped up their game in the third stanza, as they outplayed their opponents at both ends of the court with tight defence and swift ball movements which led to them holding a 60-54 advantage at the end of the period.

Going all-out

Baldon Todd, captain of the Legends, said his team will be going all out to even the series.

"I think we can bounce back on Saturday and force a Game Three because we have no other choice but to come out and win this match," said Todd.

"... I believe that once we stop them from getting easy baskets then we stand a good chance of winning the game," he added.

Havando Dunn (17 points and 10 rebounds), Kemar McLeish (16), Todd (16) and Damion Young (10 points and 16 rebounds) were the main scorers for the Legends.

Todd also added that his team will have to perform better on both ends of the court.