Can Raid-Alaxan FR succeed where four other teams have failed so far in stopping Sabay Salty Crabs’ triumphant march?

That big question will be answered tomorrow when the two teams hit the court of Beeline Arena in a high profile clash the Cambodia Basektball Challenge may take pride in.

Unstoppable as they seem with their ultra tight defensive network, the Crabs concede that they will have to be at their best to contain an offence-dominated Raid-Alaxan, who have lost just one game so far.

“We have got to come out focused and be ready for whatever Raid-Alaxan is going to throw at us,’’ Crabs captain Kenneth Kim told the Post yesterday.

Raid-Alaxan’s only blot this season has been their overtime loss to Team Sharky in a game they led right up to the last 60 seconds. The side, well served in attack by Aimar Sabayo and Bobet Cervanez, has won their other three games this season at an average margin of 33 points.

But the team is facing injury concern surrounding star forward Sabayo, who hurt his ankle during the first half of the match against Team Sharky last week.

“Unbeaten Sabay Salty Crabs will be a tough game for us and there is a possibility that we may not have Aimar Sabayo with us,” noted Raid-Alaxan captain Chris Berja.

“They have some size, but we’re faster and rebound well. It’s still anybody’s ball game, so we will need to fight until the buzzer.”

The Crabs reckon their rivals may try to control the pace of the game, making it difficult for interior big men to take close shots and rebounds. The Crabs’ key is containing speedy guard Cervanez, who posted 26 points last week, almost outrunning everyone down the court when in possession.

Indication from sources close to Raid-Alaxan team management is that Sabayo might start tomorrow, though he is currently listed as a game-time decision.

The day’s four-game program opens with a tough match up between Team Sharky and Sela Meas, teams endowed with several gifted offensive players heightening expectations that this could well be a fast paced high roller.

Team Sharky are in great heart after their sensational comeback win against Raid-Alaxan, while Sela Meas are oozing with confidence after recording a season-best 50-point winning margin last week.

The all-Cambodian Sela Meas will be looking to shut down sharp perimeter shooting of Colin Meyn as well as to contest the strong postplay of Brendan Petit. Sharky will also be trying to limit the impact of the Sela Meas star player Sok Pagna.

Saturday’s Fixtures

• Beeline Arena, Chhroy Changvar peninsular
• Team Sharky v Sela Meas – 1pm
• Sabay Salty Crabs v Raid-Alaxan FR 2:15pm
• CCPL Heat v Phnom Penh Dragons 3:30pm
• Mobitel XG Warriors v HTPS Mike’s Burger Knights – 4:45pm

To contac the reporter on this story: H S Manjunath at [email protected]