Hosts NTU break Nanyang Polytechnic hearts in semi-final overtime of IVP Basketball Championship

Story and pictures by REDintern Koh Yizhe

Nanyang Technological University, Monday 19 January 2009 – In the most breathtaking match of the 2009 Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Basketball Championship so far, last season’s second runners-up, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) progressed to the final after a heart-stopping 88-78 victory over Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) in overtime.

This was a repeat of last season’s third/fourth placing match where NTU also overcame NYP.

With only 1.4 seconds remaining, NYP were on their way to the final after a beautiful three-point play by #5 Wong Wei Long. The NYP bench was already celebrating when NTU called for a timeout.

More drama was to come however when NTU #24 Zhang Hao sunk a long three-pointer to send the match into overtime.

NTU then ran all over NYP in overtime, scoring 10 points and limiting NYP to none.

The match started nervously for both teams, with passing errors interrupting play on many occasions. NYP also incorporated their preferred physical style of play into the match, with #32 being a force to reckon with as he made his size count under the basket to make layups.

It didn't take long for NYP to settle and they began to string points together. They looked comfortable whenever they had the ball as they broke down NTU's defense with ease.

The same couldn’t be said for NTU, however, as they suffered under NYP's physical game play. Despite having a few points of their own, hosts NTU ended the first quarter seven points behind, at 13-20.

NTU came out fighting in the second quarter and it wasn't long before they were settled. This was evident as they worked NYP around the arc with their quick perimeter passing and accurate shooting. The towering NTU #14 also played a crucial role as he was a dominant force under the basket to collect rebounds.

Knowing they would be no match against the physical NYP players, NTU chose to slowly reduce the deficit through precise shooting. This proved successful as it took the hosts just five minutes to take the lead from NYP.

Both teams then matched each other point for point as they fought for the lead in a tense physical match which was interrupted by many free throws for both teams. NTU had the honour of taking a slim one point lead into the half at 39-38.

This lead didn't last long, however, with #4 of NYP immediately giving his side the lead with a layup, setting the pace for the rest of the half. NTU replied instantly with #36 providing a beautiful assist for #10 to layup.

Last season's second runners-up NTU then continued the good spell they had in the second quarter with tight defending. At times, five NTU players stood under the basket to prevent a NYP layup.

NYP, on the other hand, depended on the superb Wong Wei Long to lead their scoring. His driving runs seemed impossible to stop as he scored each time he powered to the basket. Despite this, NYP were unable to break NTU's lead and ended the third quarter 54-57 down.

Not to be outdone, NYP came out fighting at the restart. Within one minute of play, the gap was reduced to just one point. There was not much between the teams as they traded points.

The largest lead of the fourth quarter was just six points held by NTU, but it was easily hacked down by their opponents.

NTU players found themselves constantly on the floor as NYP began to impose their physical style of play once again. Despite being injured and with pain showing on his face, #32 of NYP continued playing as his towering presence under the basket made all the difference.

With only 33 seconds left on the clock and with the score at 75-73 in favor of NTU, the splendid Wong Wei Long made a layup to level the scores.

He followed that up with a drive to the basket to make a layup and drew the foul. To the horror of the NTU players, the layup was also good to give NYP the lead for the first time in the fourth quarter at 77-75 with 1.4 seconds left on the clock. He scored the resulting free throw to extend the lead to three points.

This forced a timeout by NTU. With only 1.4 seconds remaining, it seemed like the match was done and dusted and the NYP bench and supporters were already celebrating.

However, there was more drama to come, as NTU #24 Zhang Hao hit a long three-pointer right at the death to level the score at 78-78. An immediate change of emotions was clear as it was now NTU that was celebrating.

Having victory snatched from them, the NYP morale was shattered, and it was unmistakable as they fell apart in overtime. NTU went on a 10-0 run to close out the match 88-78.

With the win, NTU will face defending champions Temasek Polytechnic in the final, while NYP will have to fight for third place against NUS.

N.B. If you know the names of the players featured, please let us know in the comments section and we’ll update the captions. Thanks.