Knights look to sweep Bulls

Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer

Urban Knights could clinch their second straight title in the KFC National Basketball League (NBL) with a win in tonight's Game Two in the best-of-three Finals series against Port Royal Bulls, at the National Stadium Courts. Tip-off time is 8 p.m.

In the opening game at 6 p.m., Tivoli Wizards oppose Majesty Gardens in a play-off for third place.

On Thursday night, Urban Knights had to dig deep into their reserves to carve out a hard fought 84-76 over-time win over the Bulls in Game One, which led by two, (69-67), with 17.6 seconds left, thanks to Dovian Wade's pair of free throws.

The Knights, on their next possession, went inside to their big man, Andrew Whilby, who scored a clutch shot that tied the game at 69-69 with three seconds left in regulation time, forcing overtime.

The Knights dominated overtime by outscoring the Bulls 15-9. With the scores tied at 71, Javon Bailey once again netted a precious three-pointer, giving his team a 74-71 lead with 2:30 seconds left. Then it was time for the team's leading scorer, Omar Barnes, to show up, scoring twice within a minute to stretch the lead to nine (80-71).

The Bulls' Anthony Richards netted a three-pointer with just over a minute to go to cut the deficit to six (80-74). After that the game became a fouling match and the Knights finally prevailed 84-78.

Four players from the Knights made it into double figures. Barnes had a game-high 22 points, while point guard Bailey supported with 20. Whilby scored 13 points and pulled in 14 rebounds, while Oneil Mundle added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Wade led the Bulls with 18 points, while Paul Oliphant scored 14, Leighton Meeks 12 and Damion Young added 11.

Though happy with the win the Knights' coach, Calvin Martin, thought his team played an indisciplined game.

"If the players played with more discipline then the game would've been much easier. I' m sure the Bulls are going to come at us for Game Two," he said.

Bulls coach, Oniel Williams, said: "I'm a bit disappointed with the loss, but next game we are just going to come out and take it."