The all-Cambodian Sela Meas will have their work cut out for them when they face unbeaten Sabay Salty Crabs whose growing strength has been their hard-to-crack defence.

The inaugural Cambodia Basketball Challenge presented by Banzai and Sabay enters its sixth week at the Beeline Arena on Saturday with the Crabs holding all the aces as the only side to make each week a winning one.

So far they have killed the best of offence with their own brand of unflinching defence while wisely using their attacking options and the depth of the bench to do just enough to clinch victories.

Though Sela Meas have been blowing hot and cold with three wins and two defeats, the resolute fashion with which they handled Team Sharky in a nail baiting finish last week should send a stern message to the Crabs that they could well have a battle on their hands.

Speed and swift passing have been two pleasing Sela Meas features. If these traits play out well, the Crabs could be in trouble.

Sok Pagna has the ability to split the tightest of defences while Phon Chandara has been a steadying influence. Sok Samnang came into his own last week and the Sela Meas destiny rests on this trio.

The Crabs could again be looking at the imposing presence of Sean Looney to cause a flutter or three and bank on the long range shooting skills of Monh Ratana on their own breakaways.

A tight and testy encounter it may well be for both the Crabs and Sela Meas, with the heat squarely on the Crabs to defend their five-game winning streak.

Raid-Alaxan FR and Phnom Penh Dragons open the four-game schedule on Saturday with both sides capable of running the break. An exciting fare is on the cards.

The day’s toughest clash will likely be the one between Team Sharky and Mobitel XG Warriors. There are enough big men on both sides to ensure fierce exchanges at either end.

For the struggling HTPS Mike’s Burger Knights, here comes a chance to make up some lost ground when they take on the CCPL Heat. However, the Heat on paper hold a distinct edge over their rivals.

Saturday’s Fixtures

Raid-Alaxan FR v Phnom Penh Dragons – 1pm

Sabay Salty Crabs v Sela Meas – 2:15pm

Team Sharky v Mobitel XG Warriors – 3:30pm

CCPL Heat v HTPS Mike’s Burger Knights – 4:45pm

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