David Blackwood of Urban Knights takes a shot over Lance Grandison(left) and Gary Cummings of St Georges' Slayers.

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

The individual scoring statistics weren't impressive, but the top scorers saved their best shots for last, which helped champions St. George's Slayers to a 55-54 win over Urban Knights at the National Arena, on Sunday night.

The game marked the beginning of a delayed 2007 KFC National Basketball League (NBL) season and went down as another intriguing modern-day battle between two of the best in the league overthe past four years. And the ending to this game was nothing short of what has come to be expected when these two teams face each other.

With 37 seconds remaining, Leon 'Ratty' Chung hit a three-pointer over Javon Bailey to give Slayers a 53-52 lead, the first since early in the first quarter. Knights captain Linton Murray responded quickly with a lay-up, restoring Knights' lead with 20 seconds remaining.

Putting up a fight

Slayers, with so much experience and having clawed back from an 11-point deficit in the third quarter, weren't about to give up easily. Kali McCarthy, dribbling down the right side, got into the key and spotted Rohan Robinson open underneath the basket while falling outside. Robinson finished with one of his trademark reverse lay-ups to seal the win.

"I was surprised I was so open," said Robinson - who top-scored with 12 points and was supported by Chung with nine - after the match.

The opening win incentive was the TVJ Trophy and $25,000. Even better was starting the season with a morale-boosting victory, which the Slayers are hoping will become infectious.

"It's like taking that first test in school and passing it," reasoned Slayers' coach Lamar Dixon. "It gives you a lot of confidence to go through the rest of the year of school, and I think that's what happened to the Slayers tonight."

Urban Knights were led in scoring by Murray (14) and Andrew Whilby (13). The 2004 champions had a young starting line-up but had a 30-23 lead at the end of half-time against the much more experienced Slayers. As a matter of fact, Slayers trailed almost the entire game. However, the champions hung around in the fourth quarter, then struck at the right time.

Key factor

"Rohan was the key factor," noted Knights coach Calvin Martin. "We don't have anyone as experienced as he is.

"Our side is young but they should be gelling by mid-season."

Assistant coach Kevin Alexander thinks it could be sooner than that with point guard Javon Bailey controlling the game. The final-year student of St. Catherine High collected 12 points, five rebounds and six assists, but more importantly, showed the skills and the composure to play at this level.

"He's the best point guard in the league bar none," said Alexander. "He's fundamentally sound and easy to coach. You just talk through the play with him and he does it on the court."

Urban Knights will have many more chances to make up for the loss with two games scheduled for almost every day of the week at the National Stadium courts. KFC will provide $3 million in cash for this season's league, while associate sponsor Juciful will provide $1 million. GM challenger and TVJ are also sponsors.