The ACL Kings have secured their spot in the finals following a 98-93 win over the Moni Plus during the final round of Port Moresby Elite Basketball (PEB) competition on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.
Coach Donald Kala said the game plan was to shut down their opponents three pointers to maintain top three ahead of the finals elimination at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor next week.
“Our main focus was to shut down their three-pointers, which worked in our favor. The plan was to play more defense on the court,” Kala said.
He said the team comprised mostly aspiring ballers who are finding comfort in an elite competition against former and current elite national representatives.
“We don’t have a lot of experience playing, but it all comes down to our discipline and that’s the main component of our game plan,” Kala added.
In the final round of the competition, the Kings took an early lead, registering 14-12 points in the first quarter. 16-year-old Joe Junior Mainakavika, Eki Evara, Armstrong Wapea, Opex Kima and Julius Ouku leading the team as captain in the starting five.
A slow pace in the second quarter saw Moni Plus take a 45-43 lead at half time, with skipper Moses Kairi leading the points upfront.
The Moni Plus extended their lead in the third quarter with a 76-67 margin, with veteran Gabriel Elavo, Martin Ben and Morea Elavo Jr also contributing points on the paint.
However, things took a turn in the final quarter, with Kings picking pace to win by 98-93 scoreline at full time, as Kima took out the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match, contributing 25 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists.
“We finished in third spot, so we are expected to play the Togoba Coffee in the first week of finals,” Kala said.
“Togoba Coffee is an experienced team with coach Moi Muri stepping in, but we won’t take this game lightly as we prepare and hopefully put up a good game against them.”
The ACL Kings and Togoba Coffee have one shot at finals, with the winner advancing into the preliminary finals, while the loser bows out for the season.
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