Former champions St Georges' Slayers will oppose Blazing Panthers in today's feature game of the KFC National Basketball League (NBL) double-header at the National Stadium Courts, starting at 7:45p.m. In the day's other encounter, Arnett Gardens Rockers will face Portmore Flames at 6p.m.

The Slayers, who were champions in 2005 and 2006, will welcome the return of national player Kali McCarty, who was away last season playing professionally in Bolivia.

"It is going to be a very tough game," said Rohan Robinson, coach of the Slayers. "I do think that we'll come out on top as long as we stick to our plan."

Slayers are seeking their third victory of the season and Robinson said: "Our team is gelling well now and long as we can maintain our focus and concentration and the players stick to our game plan throughout, then we should definitely win this competition."

The Panthers, last year's beaten finalists, are still smarting from their 111-47 victory over newcomers Catherine Hall All-Stars last Saturday and their coach, Donald Bimmer, expects a tough challenge but is also very optimistic.

Tough game EXPECTED

"I am expecting a tough game from the Slayers because whenever both teams meet it is always an exciting match-up," said Bimmer.

"We are very confident because of the offence we're getting now and we hope to continue in this vein," he said.

"I think our main area of concern now is our defence and rebounding because we are not coordinating well in this area," Bimmer added.