Tuesday, February 25, 2014

IHG Basketball (M) Finals

Basketball M vs Hall 6
Lost 63-72

Monday, 24 February 2014
SRC Sports Hall 2, NTU

In the men’s finals, Hall 2 fell 63—72 to Hall 6 in a pulsating final that will live long in the memory of those present.
Chua Kian Kok and Choon Hao Wei had their usual stellar displays, always at the heart of everything good about Hall 2. But the strength of the opposition meant that they were also able to display the steely defensive side of their game that was not really needed until today. Overall, it can be said Hall 2 generally had more control of the ball, but Hall 6’s defense held firm and their superior 3-pt shooting more than made up for their relatively lack of incision into the paint.
Similar to the women’s team, the men were slow to get out of the blocks, with Kian Kok still in the restroom when the game started. Don Tan Cheng Ye had a bright start though, getting the first 2 points on the board, and then emerging high out of a congested area for another layup. A cagey first quarter ended 14-12 in the Sixers’ favour.


The second quarter was a lot more exhilarating. First KK, having finally warmed up, scored a 2 after a brilliant steal by Hao Wei. Captain Jiahao Lim also joined in the scoring stakes with Hall 2’s first 3 of the night. Coming off the bench, Thomson Liu also had his best display of the season, first with a blindside pass to Hao Wei at the low post, then following up with an easy layup after stealing the ball. A rather more exciting quarter ended 30-29 to Hall 6.
The most exciting play of the 3rd quarter was a rejection from behind against the boards by Kian Kok, who was sprinting back at top speed to defend a fast break. Hall 2 also started to shoot a lot more from 3-point range, with Kian Kok again impressing the crowd with a fadeaway 3.Yangzhi Zhong also had a good post-up move. With the end of the game approaching ever closer, Hall 2 were still 3 points down at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Disaster struck at the start of the 4th, however. After conceding a 3-pointer, on the next possession the ball was carelessly stolen, and Hao Wei was forced to foul on defence. Hall 6 was successful from the free-throw line, and before they knew what was happening, Hall 2 was 8 points down.
Hall 2 tried their hardest for the rest of the 4th quarter to close the deficit, but Hall 6’s defence kept them at bay, and just when the gap was getting too close for comfort, the Sixers’ would get a 3 in to widen it again. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Hall 2 was 9 points down, and had come off second in what was a very tight game.
Despite the defeat, our boys can be proud of the manner in which they contributed to a very exciting final. These are the moments we remember, the memories that will live on, whatever the colour of the medal.



0 comments :

WELCOME TO HALL OF RESIDENCE 2