Contributed by reader Pink

Clementi Sports Hall, Wednesday, July 29, 2009 – RI beat Presbyterian High 47-43 in the quarter-finals of the National C Division Basketball Championship.

Screeching of basketball shoes were breaking eardrums of the already small crowd.

Stepping on court, both Presbyterian High and Raffles Institution looked promising. By the first 20 seconds, both teams had scored. With Presby’s #10 scoring a 3-pointer, and with Raffles’#7 attempting to catch up with a near shot.

After 4 minutes of steals, PHS’ #3 broke the silence with a 2-pointer.

Following that, four free throws were given to Raffles’ #7 and #15, both of whom scored 1 point each.

By the end of a well-played first quarter, Raffles lead 14-15.

The second quarter indeed saw a lack of stamina from both teams. Free throws were once again given to Raffles’ #7 and PHS’ #8, both who secured their two points worth. During this time period, PHS’ #12 fouled out due to rough play.

By the end of the second quarter, RI held onto their lead, 19-22.

The third quarter was nail-biting in the sense that team possession of the ball was changing every 30 seconds, with Raffles #9 ending the
sorrowful period of the quarter with a 3-pointer. After a time-out by Raffles, A wastage of a free throw by PHS’ #5 marked the end of the third quarter.

Raffles was still clutching on to their 27-33 lead, but it was clearly still anyone’s game.

The final quarter was considerably entertaining as both teams were energetic and played with everything they had.

Sadly, Raffles’#5 let his guard down and PHS took his moment of folly into opportunities of scoring, tying the score at 33-33 by the 3rd minute.

Similarly, in the 4th minute, Raffles#14 took one for the team with an under basket. However, to their dismay, PHS started playing rough
and scored the 2 points back no problem.

Due to stress, a slight hit from a Raffles player caused PHS’ #11 to fall down completely, therefore making the act looked staged.

With 2 minutes and 45 seconds left on the clock, it was anyone’s game, and the 43-43 tie was causing anxiety in both teams. All odds
against them, Raffles maximised the use of the stop clock and #7, #10 and #15 scored a two-pointer.

With the last time out called by Raffles at the last 42.4 seconds, nobody thought that PHS could win. And everyone, was right.

The match ended with a buzzer beater by Raffles’ #10.

On a whole, the match was truly remarkable, but both teams have a lot to work on, especially in stamina.