The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Port Royal Bulls have the upper hand entering this evening's second game in their best of three semi-finals in the NPG Southern Conference Basketball League.

Both teams gained the all-important advantage on Sunday at the University of the West Indies (UWI) gymnasium. The JDF overcame a fiery start by Selassie Gardens to emerge 55-41 winners. Selassie Gardens led 17-11 at the end of the first quarter but that was followed by a poor second quarter in which they only scored three points.

The JDF, led by Delroy Barnaby with 14 points and nine steals, maintained their advantage in successive quarters to lead the series 1-0.

"This win sets the stage for the rest of the series," said JDF coach Everald Hewitt. "They (Selassie Gardens) have a must-win situation so it's less pressure on us."

The JDF also received good contribution from Dermaine Foster (11) and Jonah Atkinson (10), while Arthur Thompson and Oneil Christie had nine points each to lead Selassie Gardens.

In the other semi-final, Demetrius Wade posted 25 points to lead Port Royal to a 74-51 victory over Aqua Youths. Paul Brown had a brilliant all-round game with 18 points, 18 rebounds and seven blocks, while Anthony Richards had 13 points all in the second half.

Port Royal were quick in the open court, getting most of their points through fast breaks.

"We realised they were playing a 1-2-2 defence and they had no one getting back so we just used up the fast breaks," said Port Royal coach Oneil Williams.

Aqua were led by Derron Jackson with 15 points.

-LeVaughn Flynn