KEEN rivalry is expected tonight as Half Mile Bulls return for a back-to-back game against Block 22 Flames and Wismar Pistons challenge Victory Valley Royals, when the Linden Amateur Basketball Association/Malta Supreme Magnificent Seven Christmas basketball championship continues at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

In the first game at 19.00hrs the Half Mile Bulls and Block 22 Flames will collide while in the other at 21.00hrs Wismar Pistons take on Victory Valley Royals.
The former national club champions Wismar Pistons have shown that they can still compete after shrugging off the rust caused by missing the recent BOSAI basketball championship. They reversed an opening loss to the Amelia’s Ward Jets with a win over the BOSAI champions Half Mile Bulls, and now face Victory Valley Royals.
The Royals are also coming off a first-game loss to Retrieve Raiders and would look to redeem themselves with a win over the Pistons.
These two teams are battling to maintain their reputation of being among the best clubs in Linden and when they last met Royals emerged winners by a 50-39 margin in the Trophy stall tournament which ended earlier this year.
With their best players now returning after job commitments out of the area, there will be a toss up for victory tonight.
There is a winners’ prize of $150 000 and replicas along with $80 000 and replicas for the losing finalists, among other cash incentives. Winning this game is important for either club to advance past these preliminary rounds of the competition.
Pistons forward Trevor Profitt has shown his importance to this unit with an impressive showing in their recent win against the Bulls when he top-scored with 18 points and if their most valuable player Quincy ‘Proxy’ Jones remains unavailable, Profitt, along with Sherwin Sargeant, would be shouldering responsibilities in the front court.
They will have admirable support from guards Nevin ‘Baboy’ Grenville and Mark Louis as these are players who will slash when necessary inside or hit the jumper from mid range.
The Royals can rely on their most productive player Marlon Pollydore to continue his scoring and with Stephen Couchman back in the team along with former national forward Alwyn Wilson to muscle his way in the paint, the Royals will surely compete to the end.
Their past junior  players Stephen Couchman and Marlon Pollydore will be responsible for their back court.
No doubt the Block 22 Flames will play as underdogs and seek an upset; for they have demonstrated the ability to execute when they scored their 67-53 win over the BOSAI Open Challenge champions Half Mile Bulls.
The Flames most dependable scorers Aubrey Johnson and Devon Morrison along with young Keilon Sullivan were the architects in their last win and should the Flames shine brightly again tonight, Sullivan must be involved
At the same time one would ask if the Flames can prevent Cameron from getting into double figures to cut down on the dependency of him and Michael Turner who are the main factors in any Bulls win.
However, one would reflect that the Bulls had beaten the Flames in their Trophy Stall encounter.