Robert Bailey, Star Writer

Former champions Tivoli Gardens Wizards will face Buff Bay Hawks in one of four matches in today's knockout round of the Flow/National Basketball League (FNBL), at the Folly Oval in Portland starting at 3:45 p.m.

In the opening game of the double-header, Pure Playaz will oppose Pembroke Hall starting at 2 p.m.

In a double-header at the Montego Bay Cricket Club, Montego Bay Jaguars will battle St Georges Slayers starting at 5 p.m. while Montego Bay Hoopers will challenge Runnin Rebels at 7 p.m.

The Wizards, who last won the title in 2011, have been having a poor campaign in the NBL this season, which saw them ending the second round with three wins and two defeats.

The Edward 'Ted' Marshall-coached Wizards will be looking to the likes of Andy Smith, Dino Hibbert, Anthony Farquharson and Maurice Blackwood to lead their charge to victory.

The Hawks, who are runners-up in the Eastern Conference Championship, will be hoping to gain a spot in the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time in their history.

The Portland-based team will be led by veteran players, Hugh Black and Christopher Bailey who have played very instrumental roles in their success this season.

Jaguars and Slayers encounter is expected to be a very closely-contested game. The Slayers, who are one of the favourites in this year's competition, ended the second round with four wins and one defeat.

The Rohan Robinson-coached Slayers, will be depending heavily on the likes of Leon Chung, Adrian Forbes, Paul Oliphant and Damion Young to lead their team to victory.

On the other hand, Jaguars will enter today's contest oozing with confidence, this after winning the Western Conference title very easily.