By LeVaughn Flynn , Staff ReporterARNETT GARDENS Rockers are shooting to win the Southern Basketball Conference League without losing a single game when they face Charlemont Magics in Game Two of their best-of-three final series tonight at the National Stadium courts at 7:45.
One game away from the title, Rockers took Game One 71-68 at the Stadium Courts Wednesday night to improve their record to 14-0.
An exuberant Arnett coach Alister Symister spoke proudly of his team's record but said he was cautious of a Magics resurgence in Game Two.
"We are the Arnett Gardens team that everyone has been trying to beat," Symister said. "We expect them to come out hungry and determined in Game Two but we are going to match them and fight to get a clean sweep because we don't want to go into a Game Three."
Rockers trailed for most of the game and fell behind by as much as 13 points (45-32) when Magics went on a 14-4 run to start the third quarter. Delano Mallett scored seven of his team-high 17 points during that period to lift them out of the slump. Adding eight assists and seven rebounds, Mallett had an all-round game to get his team closer to owning the Gatorade trophy.
THE RIGHT DIRECTION
"It's my duty to keep the team composed and lead them in the right direction when things aren't going our way," said Mallett. Arnell Campbell and Horatio Small added 14 and 10 points respectively for the winners.
Whereas Magics Dwayne Gouldbourne had a solid game, posting 18 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, his team may have lost the game at the free-throw line where they shot 55 per cent (19-34). He was assisted by Jason Dunkley and Melton Henderson with 13 and 12 points respectively.
Although the Magics had seven fewer turnovers (15-22) than Rockers, theirs came at the most inopportune time that resulted in quick points for Rockers. Magics coach Dennis Gardener said his team will force a Game Three as they won't make the same mistakes twice.
"Come Friday we'll compose ourselves and give a better account of ourselves and I think we are going to go through with it," he said.
If a Game Three is necessary, it will be played next Tuesday at the same venue at 7:00 p.m.
The third-place play-off between Jamaica Defence Force and Waterhouse Blazers starts at 6:00 p.m.
