Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Fighters set to lock horns with Beasts in semi

Fighters set to lock horns with Beasts in semi

ALLN Supermen forward Aimar Sabayo (left) makes a jump shot as Fighters’ Ken Gadaffi attempts a block. Photo supplied
ALLN Supermen forward Aimar Sabayo (left) makes a jump shot as Fighters’ Ken Gadaffi attempts a block. Photo supplied

Fighters set to lock horns with Beasts in semi

Extra Joss Fighters, who are on a 12-0 roll in the current Cambodian Basketball League season look well poised to carry that momentum forward when they square off against MSGM Beast in the first of the upcoming semifinals at the Olympic Indoor Arena on Sunday.

In the other last-four encounter later in the evening, ALLN Supermen, whose only defeat so far was at the hands of the Fighters, will face Bayon Airline, who pulled off an upset of sorts in the quarterfinals by beating Davies Paints in straight games.

The consistent Jomar Santos and Siruma Stephen will once again play pivotal roles when it comes to the Fighters offence, while coach Oktavianus Hauw will most certainly lean on the Nigerian duo of Ken Gadaffi and Njoku Kelechi to shut out the Beasts’ best raiders and big contributors Gba You and Hong Kwang.

With an 8-4 record, it looks like Beasts will have to play well above themselves to keep the Fighters at bay.

“We take this game very seriously. We do not underrate the opposition. It is a one-off and we will bring out our A-game and make it to the third finals in a row, and hopefully win the title this time,” Fighters coach Hauw told the Post yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Supermen, who are 11-1 compared to their rivals’ 7-5 face a much stiffer test against Bayon on the strength of the side’s quarterfinal showing against the Paints.

While the Supermen’s attacking efforts will be led by Aimar Sabayo and Janno Cunanan, the back-up will be from Curran and Lonney, both of whom have the physique to dominate the rebounds at both ends.

A worry for the Supermen, however, is that Bayon’s Hon Wai from the perimeter and Chhou with his craft inside the paint could pose problems.

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