LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Denroy Barnaby (left) of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) dribbles past Mowanga Campbell of Tivoli Wizards during their KFC National Basketball League match on Sunday at the National Stadium court. JDF won 55-49. - Photo by LeVaughn Flynn

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) finally got over their early season jitters, according to coach Courtney Gouldbourne, and won their first game in the KFC National Basketball League (NBL).

After losing three close games, JDF carved out a close win of their own, beating Tivoli Wizards 55-49 at the National Stadium court on Sunday.

"Returning to the NBL after a couple seasons out, I think we had some butterflies but we got it together and had a creditable win over Tivoli," said Gouldbourne, whose side led by as many as 14 points in the second quarter. Tivoli is a good team, but we held our composure and did what we had to do."

Early advantage

The JDF led from the start, taking a 14-10 advantage after the first 10 minutes then went on a run in the second quarter until Tivoli reduced the deficit to 31-21 at half-time.

Forward Feurtado Clarke had some key baskets in the paint during the second half, which helped JDF absorb the runs by Tivoli. He ended with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Raymond Francis and Dermaine Foster added nine points each.

"We had better shot selection and played with patience," added Gouldbourne. "On defence, we knew they were coming with Anthony Farquharson, who is their top player, so we were prepared for them."

Infringements

Farquharson still managed to have a team-high 16 points and 12 rebounds, and his scoring partner, Dwayne Harris, had eight points.

However, both scorers committed the biggest infringements. Farquharson had 10 turnovers while Harris was 0-11 from beyond the three-point line.

Tivoli seemed to be on the verge of a comeback when they went on a 7-0 run late in the fourth and came within one point (49-50).

However, a costly turnover and failure to stop the fast-break resulted in Tivoli losing their third game in five outings.

"We don't have that team effort on the defensive end," lamented Tivoli coach Dennis Hutchinson. "I didn't like our approach from the beginning. We were tardy in what we were doing."