Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

FORMER CHAMPIONS Tivoli Gardens and Pure Playaz will meet in today’s feature game of the KFC National Basketball League (NBL) at the National Stadium courts starting at 6:00 p.m.

In the evening’s other encounter, Link-Up All-Stars oppose Blazing Panthers at 7:45p.m.

Tivoli and the Panthers are tied for fifth place on 12 points and are five behind leaders St. George’s Slayers.

Stand good chance

Tivoli, who last won the title in 2003, are on a two-game losing streak. However, Dennis Hutchinson, coach to Tivoli, is confident his team will bounce back to its winning ways.

“We have a good chance against them because we are a better team and we are expecting to win this game,” said Hutchinson. “I don’t really know much about them but prior to the start of this season we played them in practice game and we beat them, and based on their record it doesn’t really speaks much about them.”

Pivotal part

The west Kingston team will be relying heavily on the likes of the leading scorer Damion Young, Paul Oliphant, Shawn Morris and Jermaine Peart, who have all played a pivotal part in their team’s success this season.

Meanwhile, the Panthers will be once again be led by the likes of Kirk Ferguson, Lynford Brown and Dushane Whyte.

In action on Thursday, Majesty Gardens whipped Running Rebels 85-52 andDenham Town Wizards were awarded points after Harbour View Lakers forfeited the game.