Caledonia Clippers will attempt to book its first ever appearance in a championship series when they take on Petro Jazz in the opening match of the Mackeson Super 10 Basketball League Big-Four semi-final play-offs beginning today, at the Southern Indoor Sports Arena, Pleasantville, San Fernando.Jump-ball time is 8 pm, proceeding the women's semi-final opener between Quarters United and Colours, from 6 pm.
National centres Wilt Vincent and Miguel Williams are both expected to line up for Clippers in the feature match of the weekend, against a Jazz team which is yet to lose at its home venue.Petro Jazz is also expected to feature skillful point-guard Adrian Joseph, prolific forward Ako Pascall, centre Dextroy Manswell and Steve McSween.Clippers recently tasted success against the same opponent it comes up against today, taking a comfortable 77-65 win at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, two weeks ago. Instrumental in the win for Clippers were talented former national junior forward Kerry McMillan, Wesley Vincent, Shorn Lawrence and point-guard Dwayne Moses, all of whom are likely to return to challenge for a play-off lead.
Tomorrow, the two other team's in the men's play-offs, defending champion Defence Force and Valencia Heat will clash at the Jean Pierre Complex, Wrightson Road, from 7 pm.At stake for the army-coastguard combination is a historic sixth SBL title.Fans will enjoy a triple treat as Caledonia Clippers and Sangre Under-15 boys' team will clash in a crucial match for a in the division's Big-Four semi-finals from 4 pm. One-and-a-half hours later, reigning women's champon team Brian Chase Academy will entertain the talented Police outfit led by Rhonda John-Davis.
Fixtures
Today - Southern Indoor Sports Arena, Pleasantville
Women's division- Quarters United v Colours, 6 pm
Men's division- Petro Jazz v Caledonia Clippers, 8 pm
Tomorrow - Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo
Under-15 boys division- Caledonia Clippers v Sangre Grande, 4 pm
Women's Division- Police v Brian Chase Academy, 5.30 pm
Men's Division- Defence Force v Valencia Heat, 7 pm