The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Braves clinched victories on Saturday night at the National Stadium court to advance to the semi-final of the Homestyle Juices Division One Basketball League.

JDF edged the Rollington Town -based Eastern Pistons 70-65 in Game Three of their quarter-finals after both teams traded baskets for most of the game. Raymond Francis (22 points) and Fuertado Clarke (14 points and 16 rebounds) led the army men while André Murray (13 points) and Andrew Gouldbourne (12 points and 13 rebounds) did most of the scoring for Pistons.

In the night's other game, Braves thrashed Waterhouse 80-55. After losing Game One, the experienced Braves secured the next two games to keep their hopes alive of returning the National Basketball League. Jermaine Davis (16 points) and Kevin Corrie (14 points) were the clutch performers for Braves while the consistent Raymond Layne had 21 points and 11 rebounds for Waterhouse.

The best-of-three semi-finals begin on Friday with Selassie Gardens facing JDF at 6:00 p.m followed by Braves and Meadows All-Stars.