LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

St Georges Slayers' coach Lamar Dixon instructs his team during a timeout on Monday night in their game against Majesty Gardens at the National Stadium court. - LeVaughn Flynn

IF ST Georges Slayers are to compete for the KFC National Basketball League (NBL) title they won in 2005 and 2006, coach Lamar Dixon says his team's sense of urgency must kick in from the first quarter.

Slayers left it until late on Monday night at the National Stadium court before prevailing 91-86 over Majesty Gardens, who led by double digits for most of the game.

"This was a typical Slayers win. We played better in the second half," said Dixon. "But we have got to have that sense of urgency from in the first half," he said. Dixon also described his team as transitional, with half of Monday's roster playing their first NBL season in a Slayers' uniform. At different stages of the game, the lack of chemistry was evident and Dixon is hoping they get the formula right soon.

"I won't be able to tell until the second round," Dixon said when asked about his team's chances of going all the way.

No point guard

"It's no secret we don't have a point guard, but Matthew Milwood came in and stepped up today," he said. "Our forwards and centres this year are different from previous years because they are not as big, but they are quick, so we are slowly trying to sort it out."

A missed open dunk aside, Dwayne Goulbourne had a great game, leading the winners with 26 points and eight rebounds. Marlon Millis, who gave Slayers the all-important lead (81-78) off a three-pointer with 2:34 left in the game, added 14 points, while Rohan Robinson had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Majesty Gardens burst out the gates 9-1 leaders and briefly relinquished the lead once when Slayers' Omar Williams scored a three-pointer with four minutes left in the first half.

With Kemar McLeish (27 points and 11 rebounds) and Baldon Todd (23 points and 12 rebounds) combining for 50 points, Majesty Gardens started the second half just as strongly, extending their lead to double digits.

Turnovers

Slayers managed to chip away at the deficit, however, and got their break around the midway mark of the fourth period by capitalising on four consecutive turnovers to cut the lead to 73-72. Key defensive stops, made free throws and rebounding in the final two minutes secured Slayers' fourth win from six games.

"This one was ours and we gave it away," said Majesty Gardens coach Ludlow Barker, whose side was losing for the second time in its sixth game. "It put a dent in our plans (of making the mid-season final).

"We lost concentration and composure. They stepped up the pressure and we didn't protect the ball," Barker said.