BOTTOM-PLACED side Idaman shocked leaders Barbarians 36-29 in round six of the Suva/Laucala Basketball Association league at the Vodafone Arena on Tuesday night.

National rep Koli Matalau was instrumental in the win. Also impressive were the Seruvatu brothers Semesa, Johnny and Simi. Bill Cava also featured strongly. The Seruvatu brothers and Cava are in the national training squad for the Pacific Games. Despite the loss, Laisiasa Puamau's Barbarians remain top of the table while Idaman has drawn level on points (nine) with second-placed Saints.

Suva/Laucala Basketball Association president Leonard Whippy said Idaman's win was a major upset. He said the result was a good indicator of the high level of competition in the league. "This was the first loss for Barbarians and based on performance they were expected to win the game," Whippy said. "Idaman shot the ball well. They got more baskets from outside. Also Idaman has about five players in the national squad training for the Pacific Games and that gave them a little advantage."

Round seven of the league will be played on Tuesday (March 22) at the Vodafone Arena and will continue until the second week of next month.

Tuesday results; Dragons wbd over All Stars, Noobies 38-Baseliners 44, Pacific arbour 35-Westpac 40, New Era 22-Saints 54, and Idaman 36-Barbarians 29.