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Flames could seal title tonight

Published:Saturday | December 3, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Granville Wolfpack's André Uter (right), seen in action against Montego Bay's CC Knight's Lamar Mitchell in a recent WBA game, will need to be on top of his game in tonight's Game Two if his team hopes to erase Lucea Flames' 1-0 lead after their Game One win.- photo by Adrian Frater
Western Bureau:Favourites Lucea Flames will be aiming to crown themselves 2011-12 Western Basketball Association (WBA) Division One League champions tonight when they take a 1-0 lead into Game Two of their best-of- three, finals against Granville Wolfpack at the Montego Bay Cricket Club Courts, starting at 6 p.m.

The unbeaten Flames, perennial top-flight contenders in western Jamaica's basketball, set themselves up nicely to take home the title tonight when they won last Saturday afternoon's Game One at the Watson Taylor Park, in Lucea, by a good 66-65 margin.

"Game One was a game that proved our mental strength as we entered the encounter with only six players," said Craig Dorman, the captain of the Flames. "For Game Two, we are fully aware that they (Wolfpack) will be coming with their best to force a Game Three but we will be looking to end the season with an undefeated record."

consistent

In the Game One showdown, Flames were quite consistent throughout and it was quite clear from the first quarter, which they won 20-12, that top players Dorman and Alrick Haughton were in a no-nonsense mood.

In the second quarter, Flames' momentum dropped somewhat as André Uter and Dwight Clare spearheaded a Wolfpack revival. However, Flames still managed to win the quarter 16-9, which gave them a comfortable 36-21 half-time lead.

Wolfpack bounced back strongly in the third quarter and looked quite ominous as they won it comfortably by an 18-13 margin, giving them a fighting chance going into the final quarter.

The final quarter was a ding-dong affair with both teams battling hard to take control. In the end, Wolfpack were found wanting as Flames took the quarter 17-16, for their 1-0 series lead.

"We gave it everything," said Clare, the most senior player in the Wolfpack line-up. "It was just not our day. However, we will be sharp and ready for Game Two."

Dorman emerged the top player for Flames, scoring 24 points. He was well supported by Julian Walker, who got 16 points; and Sheldon Myrie, who got 13. Daniel Malcolm and André Uter, with 14 and nine points, were the top performers for Wolfpack.

Should Flames win tonight, they will, in addition to copping the title, also earn qualification for the 2011-12 National Basketball League (NBL) Western Championship, which has been rescheduled to early next year.

"We are expecting a very good game as, despite losing last weekend, Wolfpack are still confident that they will emerge as champions," said Deon Williams, the competition's coordinator. "Both teams desperately want to play in the NBL western Championship."

- A.F.


SPORTS DIARY WEST

TODAY

Athletics: Jamdammers Running Club Reggae Marathon in Negril - 6 a.m.

Football: daCosta Cup final - Rusea's vs STETHS - Jarrett Park - 3 p.m.

Basketball: WBA Finals - Flames vs Wolfpack - Montego Bay CC Court - 6 p.m.

TOMORROW

NPL Football: Village United vs Highgate United - the Trelawny Stadium - 3 p.m.

Western Super Football League: Invaders SC vs Frome FC - Bunkers Hill - 3 p.m.

Jericho Rangers FC vs Granville FC - Elgin Town - 3 p.m.

Bamboo FC vs Fogo United - Bamboo CC - 3

WBA Basketball (Finals): Flames vs Wolfpack - Montego Bay CC Court - 6 p.m.

Boxing: 'Boxing On The Waterfront' - the Pier One Complex - 7 p.m.

NB: Please send your weekend sports fixtures to adrianfrater@hotmail.com