THE battle to secure play-off berths in the Hi-Lyte Southern Conference Community Basketball League takes place with the final round of preliminary games at Tivoli Gardens courts today starting at 6:00 pm.

Upper Room face Aqua ‘B’ and Waterhouse take on Linkup Allstars in the 6:00 pm games, while Norman Gardens Dragons go up against Blazing Panthers and Pembroke Hall play Denham Town at 7:30 pm.

The top five teams from each of the three zones and the best sixth-placed finisher are assured of a place in the next round.

Denham Town (16), Portmore Blazers (15), Spanish Town Meadows (15), Linkup Allstars (15) and Pembroke Hall (14) have all secured their places from Zone Two, even with today’s two remaining games.

From Zone One, Aqua ‘A’ (16) have cemented their place, along with Portmore MegaMart (15), Sky Legend (13) and Duhaney Park (12).

Fifth-placed Norman Gardens (11 points) and Blazing Panthers (10 points) will try to consolidate the last remaining spot when they meet in their match this evening.

In Zone Three, Arnett Gardens (15), Rae Town (14), Hagley Park (14) and North Street Heats (13) are through to the next phase.

Braves Chiefs sit fifth with 12 points, but have completed their fixture, so that leaves Upper Room (11 points) with the chance to overtake them in the points table with a win over Aqua ‘B’ this evening.

In games played on Tuesday at Tivoli courts, Arnett Gardens edged Aqua ‘B’ 58-55 to move past Rae Town and Hagley Park at the top of Zone Three.

Vivian Spence led the Rockers with 21 points, five assists and five steals, while Andre Moore was Aqua’s topscorer with 15 points.

Meanwhile, debutant Duhaney Park secured their play-off berth in their first season after beating Uptempo Shooters 67-50 in their final group game.

Troy Lett led the newcomers with 26 points and he was well supported by Gerron Thomas with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Christopher Wolfe topscored for Shooters with 17 points.

In the night’s other game, Waterhouse failed to show for their contest against zone leaders Denham Town Warriors.

In the lone game at the Edgewater Complex, MegaMart turned back Hope Road 66-56, thanks to 14 points from Fabian Murray.

On Sunday, Pembroke Hall and Linkup Allstars also booked their places with victories over Waterhouse and Ebony Volcanoes, respectively.

Meanwhile, Portmore Blazers’ Gary Reid was voted Royale Trophies & Merchandising Limited player of the week (December 8-13).

The play-off round is set to commence in January.