LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

THE BEST-of-three quarter-finals in the Homestyle Juices Division One Southern Conference Basketball League tip off this afternoon, following a competitive second round which went to the wire to decide the final eight.

At 5 p.m., unbeaten Selassie Gardens play Aqua Youths, followed by Waterhouse Blazers and Braves Chiefs at 7 p.m., at the National Stadium courts.

Selassie Gardens had a perfect 14-0 record in the first round and won their three second-round games.

only disappointment

Their only disappointment of the season so far has been losing the mid-season final to Hagley Park Thorns. However, that game does not impact the standings.

Aqua (12-6) could spring a surprise win against Selassie but an almost perfect game would be required from them.

In this evening's second game, Braves (12-5), eager to return to the National Basketball League (NBL) since being relegated in 2005, meet a talented Waterhouse side (15-2) that is just as keen on making their appearance in the NBL.

top scorer

Waterhouse, who were beaten finalists in 2005, losing to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), have been led all season by top scorer Raymond Layne. Supporting him have been Kirk Shaw and Brandon Grant.

Braves have an experienced bunch that includes Kevin Corrie, Dayle Lindo and Lascelles Johnson, and should be pushed to the limit by Waterhouse.

The other quarter-finals pit Meadows All-Stars (10-7) against Hagley Park Thorns (16-2) and Eastern Pistons (13-5) against All-island champs, the JDF (14-3). Those series begin tomorrow evening at 6:00 and 7:45, respectively.

Games two of the series will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Last Thursday, the JDF and Aqua were the final teams to secure their quarter-final spots, following big wins against Seaview Flames and Fire Service, respectively.

Fertado Clarke led the soldiers with 21 points and 13 rebounds in their 70-50 win over Seaview while Tyrone Fairweather had 20 points in Aqua's 86-50 mauling of Fire Service.