DEFENDING champions Tivoli Wizards will take no chances with last year’s runner-up Majesty Legends when they clash tonight at 7:00 in the Flow/NBL Southern Conference best of three finals at the National Stadium Courts.

In the opening match of the Southern Conference on February 20, Tivoli defeated Majesty 62-51. But since then Majesty have transformed into a formidable unit, with Baldon Todd taking over as player/coach after the departure of Marland Nattie several weeks ago.

Tivoli Wizards, coached by Edward Marshall, are fancied to retain their title given the depth of their shooting options and their strength in the key.

Coach Marshall, a man of few words, noted that “Majesty is a good team” and was aware that they would be coming all out to avenge their opening-round defeat.

In addition to leading points shooter Anthony Farquharson and versatile Kirk Ferguson, the Wizards also boast big-game centre Andrew Whilby, who tend to top score at crunch time.

The Wizards will also draw on the shooting skills of Omar Barnes and Mowanga Campbell, with Andrade Wright, Shawn Morris and Troy Campbell pitching in.

Apart from the usual starting players, Tivoli has useful bench players, particularly Andy Smith,

Kwame Lawrence, Delano Mallett and Andrew Bloomfield.

For Majesty, meanwhile, Kemar McLeish, Havando Dunn, Paul Oliphant, and player/coach Todd will take centre stage.

Todd believes that since Damion Young has been included their team, Majesty have been a different team.

“We are a very talented team,” Todd emphasised.

Despite the absence of a full-time coach since Nattie “walked out”, in Oliphant, who acts as assistant coach, Majesty have one of the best strategists and reader of the game.

Oliphant insists that Majesty have the personnel to counter a player such as Farquharson, probably the best point guard in the league and who scores most of his points in the last quarter.

While Tivoli have shown feet of clay after going down in three crucial matches this season, the West Kingston team usually get it right in the final.

Todd and Oliphant are hoping to frustrate the defending champions early and once unsettled the reigning champions usually fall apart.

Majesty will also have to rely on fast breaks and their strength in perimeter to grab the upper hand.

The final will have an added dimension as both teams boast the strongest community support in the Southern Conference.