CHAMPIONS ST. George's Slayers face Runnin' Rebels at the UWI Court this afternoon at 5:00 in KFC National Basketball League action, as the teams try to shore up a mid-season final spot.

Midway though the first round, Slayers are at the top of the table with 13 points and a record of six wins and one loss, while Rebels also have 13 points but an inferior record of five wins and three losses.

Blazing Panthers (2-4) and Tivoli Gardens All-Stars (4-3) will contest today's second game at 6:45 p.m. at the same venue.

Slayers are on a five-game winning streak after losing to Arnett Gardens on June 14 and seem on course to make it to the mid-season final after missing out last season.

Tough attack

However, they will face a tough team in Rebels who have a knack for attacking hard and with brute force inside, led by Paran Brown and Elvender Norman. Wingman Greg Warlock has also been consistent for them this season and provides the option of attacking from outside.

Former champs Tivoli are yet to play to their true potential as coach Derrick Sinclair has admitted that the team isn't at its best physically. Forward Damion Young has been leading the way for Tivoli as he has scored 30 or more points in three of his team's seven games. Panthers have shown signs of a lack of cohesion and, if they aren't prepared, Tivoli may just be the ones doing the snarling.