Teams holding the top three ranking spots in the Cambodian Basketball League, sponsored by Western Union and Coca Cola, will put their four-game unbeaten records on line when they figure in tomorrow’s bumper card at Beeline Arena.

Arguably the punchiest game of the three on offer is the one between IRB the Lord and Extra Joss Warriors, ranked second and third, respectively. If the these two teams live up to their reputations, it should turn out to be a classic confrontation between IRB’s defence, easily the most sturdy so far, and the Warriors all-out attack, markedly the most feared.

While the teams will have to fight every inch of the way for space and baskets, the key to the success of either of them remains hidden in this vexed question: Can The Lord stonewall Fred Babida and Ley Denetrosa, two of the Warriors known snipers?

Whoever finds the right answer will obviously keep their winning streak going.

After eight weeks of action, Alaxan FR Patriots sit at the top of the rankings. They have had a relatively easy run, except in the game against Ganzberg when they were called upon to stretch their sinews.

But the top-rankers may find the Cellcard Eagles a tough proposition to deal with tomorrow. The Patriots will be up against the tallest team among the contending dozen and that is clearly no easy task.

Though the Eagles take the court without crafty point guard Sophy Pich, they still have the means to present a strong line up in Geoff Harry, Nic Morgan, Keith Kelly and Stephen Higgins.

Harry, who also doubles up as Eagles manager, summed up his pre-game strategy in a chat with the Post.

“We didn’t rebound well in our last game and gave our rivals too many offensive rebounding opportunities,” he said. “We only lost by seven and they had a bunch of two chance points, which really made a difference. So we will be looking to improve our rebounding.”

Meanwhile, CCPL Heat, who went cold in their past two outings, losing both of them by narrow margins, will be eager to warm up when they face NSK Dream.

Shooting Guard Pepe will miss this game for the Heat while NSK will be without the consistent Jae-Jae who is currently in Vietnam.

Dream manager Houn Vanak, for one, feels that his team’s handling of rebounds could be of vital importance. “We do not really fear Heat, but we will have to effectively deal with point guard Panha, whose speed may cause some problem for us,” he said.

Saturday’s Schedule

IRB The Lord v Extra Joss Warriors – 2pm

CCPL Heat v NSK Dream – 4pm

Cellcard Eagles v Alaxan FR Patriots – 6pm