Story by REDintern Jiexin Neo. Photos by REDintern Clara Yuan
Marcus Goh (NUS Masters #9) attempting to block Benjamin Ooi (SMU #11) from passing the ball. (Photo 1 © REDintern Clara Yuan)
NUS Sports and Recreation Centre, Saturday, February 8, 2014 — National University of Singapore Masters (NUS Masters) came back in the final quarter to defeat Singapore Management University (SMU) 13–12 to clinch third in the NUS Water Polo Open.
Marcus Goh (NUS Masters #9) registered a game-high seven goals while Yip Yang (SMU #4) scored a team-high four.
NUS Masters scored the first goal of the game through Mark Zhang (#11). The NUS Masters goalkeeper Chou Hsiang Ken (#1) had a couple of good blocks, denying SMU the lead. SMU were actively communicating but it was not enough as they trailed 2–4 into the second quarter.
SMU outscored NUS Masters 4–3 in the second quarter. Benjamin Ooi (#11) of SMU fired a goal early into the quarter but NUS responded with one from Andre Teo (#10) shortly after. Both sides took turns to score but SMU were gradually catching up, ending the quarter trailing just 6–7.
Two minutes into the third quarter, SMU finally levelled with a confident shot taken by Yip Yang (#4) to make it 7–7. They had a couple more tries but only managed to score after a few transitions, with Cheng Jun Song (#8) firing one into goal for an 8–7 lead. SMU displayed good team chemistry with their fluid passes, with Leif Yap (#9) strong on drives but failing to convert.
NUS Masters took several shots that were off target and only managed to score one in this quarter through Marcus Goh (#9).
Both ends were focused on defence in the last quarter. The first goal came from SMU, with Jun Song (#8) making it 11–8 after a couple of tries.
It seemed like SMU were pulling away and heading for the easy win, but NUS Masters went on a 4–1 run to make it 12–12 when Marcus (#9) converted his penalty with 30 seconds left on the clock.
It was a thrilling last 30 seconds thereafter as both sides were desperate for a goal. Marcus (#9) fired the winning goal into the net with four seconds remaining, sealing the game 13–12 with a last–minute comeback.
SMU captain Yin Rong (#3) said, “Our side had a lot of scoring opportunities but didn’t manage to convert. We had a slight lead going into the last quarter, but we didn’t keep our cool, thus giving away the lead. They deserved to win as they converted their chances more.”
NUS Masters top scorer Marcus (#9) said, “It was a close fight. We led initially but they played to their strengths and started to swim more in the second and third quarter. I think my team did well as we hardly had time to train.”
Scoring by Quarter
SMU vs NUS Masters
1Q: 2–4
2Q: 4–3 (6–7)
3Q: 4–1 (10–8)
4Q: 2–5 (12–13)
Final score: 12–13
Top Scorers
SMU
Yip Yang (#4) – 4 points
NUS Masters
Goh Chengwei Marcus (#9) – 7 points
SMU Roster
Clement Fang Zhichao (#1), Loh Zhi Zhi (#2), Lee Yin Rong (#3), Yip Yang (#4), Ang Hoe Khoon (#5), Eka Choong Yijia (#6), Davin Wang Jea Yeu (#7), Cheng Jun Song (#8), Leif Yap Jia Hao (#9), Shawn Tay Zi En (#10), Benjamin Ooi Si Hao (#11), Shawn Rishi Ling Xin Wei (#12), Loy Zhi Hao (#13), Ian Sim Yan Ee, Teo Shao Wei
NUS Masters Roster
Chou Hsiang Ken (#1), Ouyang Guangyan (#2), Matthew Chew (#3), Bai Bingren Jordan (#4), Gu Jiawei Gareth (#5), Billy (#6), Kenneth Teo (#7), Bryon Teo (#8), Goh Chengwei Marcus (#9), Andre Teo (#10), Zhang Baoli Mark (#11), Lee Tong Teck Benson (#12), Bai Bingyi Sean (#13), Zhou Yang, Neo Han Wen Christopher
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