Bulls' Oliphant and Knights' Bailey

The long-awaited start of the National Basketball League (NBL), which is sponsored by Flow, will tip-off with an exciting clash as defending champions Urban Knights and last year's beaten finalists, Port Royal Bulls, face-off in today's feature match at the National Stadium Courts, starting at 8 p.m.

In the curtain-raiser at 6:15p.m. newcomers Selassie Gardens will oppose Braves Chiefs.

The Knights defeated the Bulls 2-1 in the final of their best-of-three series to lift the title last year.

However, this season's competition was scheduled to start in April, but had been rescheduled on a number of occasions, which left a number of teams very frustrated.

Now that the problems are behind, Kevin Alexander, assistant coach of the Knights, said they are expecting a tough game.

"We are expecting a very tough and exciting game from them because they are a veteran side with a number of the experienced players, who can destroy us very quickly," said Alexander.

defence is key

"I think that key for us in this game will be how we play defence and I believe that once we play good defence, then we should be able to win this game," Alexander added.

The Knights lost the services of point guard Omar Barnes and centre Andre Willby, who have both been transferred to Tivoli Gardens.

The Knights will be depending on the likes of forward Ian Gooden, Javon Bailey and centre Oniel Mundle.

Meanwhile Oniel Williams, assistant coach of the Bulls, said the long delay affected his team immensely, but they are still going to put on a good show for their fans.

"I think the delay of the competition has affected us very badly. However, we're going to do our best," said Williams.

"I think that we can beat them despite our lack of preparations, but we will have to play our style of game in order for us to do it," Williams added.

Captain Orane Hart, along with point guard Paul Oliphant and forward Dovian Wade, are expected to lead the Bulls' charge for the victory.