LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
Port Royal Bulls' Paul Oliphant (left) shoots over Vivian Spence of Arnett Gardens Rockers during a KFC National Basketball League match at the National Stadium court yesterday. Oliphant scored 21 points as he led Port Royal to a 67-62 win. - Photo by LeVaughn Flynn
Port Royal Bulls played their 'A game' in the third quarter to turn the tables and beat Arnett Gardens Rockers 67-62 in KFC National Basketball League action yesterday at the National Stadium court.
Port Royal came out of the half trailing 38-34 but went on a 13-2 run to start the third quarter. It all started on defence when coach Oneil Williams got his wish for more intensity.
Elvis Pollack came off the bench playing stifling defence and scored six important points. His teammates fed off his energy and Port Royal went on to outscore Arnett 20-9 in the period.
Defence
"We pressed more on defence with players with fresh legs and the tables turned," said Williams after his second win of the season.
Williams had just watched his team get out-rebounded 17-7 in the second quarter and they weren't much better in the first. What saved Port Royal was their efficiency to convert in transition.
Paul Oliphant led the way with 21 points and Damion Young chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Port Royal stumbled at the start of the fourth quarter as Arnett made a push. Arnett capitalised on four straight turnovers by Port Royal and took a 55-54 lead with 6:26 remaining in the period. However, Oliphant led Port Royal on another run to close out the game.
All-round game
Kwame Lawrence had an all-round game for Arnett with 20 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks. Arnel Campbell added 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Arnett assistant coach, Sheronette Mercurius, said her team's defence was found wanting in the second half.
"That wasn't Arnett Gardens' defence," said Mercurius. "We play stifling defence without fouling - we lost focus.
"We kept them off the boards in the first half and we didn't take that intensity into the third quarter."
