A 26-point romp over Galaxy has kept the all-Cambodian Sela Meas in good shape and spirits as they face a much sterner test in the third-placed Extra Josh Warriors when the two teams cross paths in the Cambodian Basketball League sponsored by Western Union and Coca-Cola at the Beeline Arena on Saturday.

The Warriors, who suffered their first loss in five games last week against IRB The Lord, are in a hurry to get back to their winning ways and this tough call could just be the sort to help them recover

their poise.

The Warriors let The Lord punch the breeze early and could never quite get up despite a change of tactics late in the game brought them to within striking range. One glaring chink in the Warriors’ armour was that apparent over-dependence on individualistic style of play which simply didn’t add up to good effect.

Cohesion could well be the Warriors’ buzz word since they have to deal with a side like Sela Meas that is endowed with speed and shooting power.

Sela Meas made mincemeat of Galaxy but a positive from that huge win was the fact that every member on court did their bit. It is this spirited team effort that may prove troublesome for the Warriors.

Fred Babida’s gallant effort from the burning deck was proof enough that any Warriors’ field plan revolves round him. He is the prime target for the Sela Meas patrolling party.

The Phnom Penh Dragons kick-start the three-match program in a better frame of mind, having won their last outing against Pate 310, than their rivals, the all-Chinese Galaxy.

The Dragons’ strong closing effort in a game of slow sectionals leaves room for optimism that the team can step up a notch or two. Given Galaxy’s plight in the last few games, the Dragons should find the going to their liking.

Post Buffaloes found themselves hopelessly boxed in by Ganzberg in their 40-73 drubbing. They may well seek a different approach when they face Pate 310, who had their own follies to think about after that loss to the Dragons.

Saturday’s schedule

Phnom Penh Dragons v Galaxy – 2pm

Pate 310 v Post Buffaloes 4pm

Sela Meas v Extra Josh Warriors – 6pm