Dragons on fire but Tigers are lurking

07/10/1998

SELANGOR Dragons pipped favourites Johor Tigers to the top after the first
leg of the Malaysian Basketball League (MBL) at Maba Stadium on Monday
night. But Johor considered it a mere hiccup in their bid to retain the
men's title.
Johor are expected to charge back when the second leg begins in Ipoh
tomorrow, where they are down to meet Selangor in the first match of the
day.
The Tigers were on a hot streak after winning three matches in Segamat
but the fire was doused by Selangor, who won 93-86 in overtime in KL.
The exit of Leow Leong Heng was one of the factors that led to Johor's
defeat after being tied 76-76 in regulation time.
American pro Chris Sneed also spoilt their party in Segamat when he quit
the team after their last match to take up an offer with a Polish club in
the European Division One league.
His replacement Alan Erickson is expected to arrive before the team
depart for Ipoh today.
"This is easily the most competitive MBL since its inception four years
ago, there has been some great shooting and the teams who lost went down
by only a few points, unlike the previous margins of about 20 points each
match," said foreign players co-ordinator Brian Lester.
Lester is the person in charge of hiring foreign pros and has a big say
in their distribution.
"I purposely distributed the imports evenly so that the MBL will be more
exciting to watch. It is surely going to be a close tussle right till the
finals."
Selangor look to be the only capable side this year to upset the rhythm
of Johor but the rest of the teams will not be far behind in terms of
points.
The women's league is also a joy to watch and has been improving
steadily. Although there are only about 30 women cagers in the country,
Maba have plans to have more teams in next year's league.
FIXTURES - Men - Tomorrow: Johor v Selangor (7.0), Penang v Perak (9.0);
Friday: Selangor v Sarawak (7.0), Perak v Johor (9.0); Saturday: Johor v
Penang (7.0), Sarawak v Perak (9.0).
Women - Tomorrow: Perak v Johor (5.30); Friday: Johor v Selangor (5.30);
Saturday: Selangor v Perak (5.30 - matches at Indera Mulia Stadium, Ipoh).
(END)