Plucky NTU see off RP challenge in 74-61 win

BASKETBALL

Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic Games 2007
Nanyang Technological University vs Republic Polytechnic
Thursday, 11 October 2007 at NIE-NTU

Story by Ian Chew. Pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

The Nanyang Technological University men's team survived a furious fourth quarter onslaught by Republic Polytechnic to beat them 74-61 in a Group A IVP match played at NIE-NTU.

Royston (#5, RP) breaks through for a layup against NTU. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

The match had extra significance for both teams since both had lost narrowly to the NUS team in earlier group matches. The winner of the match would not only be guaranteed a place in the semifinals, but would also salvage some pride!

Both teams began cautiously with the game characterized by a tight and physical defensive strategy employed by both sides and was littered with fouls. The first quarter was a predictably low-scoring affair, with both teams tied 12-12 at the buzzer.

Kai Wei (#10, RP) tries to find a way around Lim Jian Liang of NTU. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

The game continued in similar fashion in the second quarter as RP edged slightly ahead 19-18 with five minutes to go. However, just like the switching on of a switch, the NTU players were suddenly on fire as they scored consistently from the field. Jian Liang (#4, NTU), Daryl (#96, NTU) and Zhang Hao (#3, NTU) all scored from beyond the arc during this period to ignite a 17-2 run that resulted in NTU leading 35-21 at the half time break.

The demoralized RP players could not rouse themselves even after the half-time break, scoring just two points as NTU continued their scoring spree with another 18-2 run to lead by a massive 53-23 score. Several NTU players provided the scoring numbers during period, including Yang Quan Ju (#36, NTU) who impressed with his defense and rebounding. A mini comeback by the RP team hardly made a dent to the scoreline as they were still down 31-56 at the end of the third quarter.

Neutral fans thinking that the game was well and truly over were soon proved mistaken, however. The Republic Poly team launched a furious rally marked by aggressive man-to-man full-court defense in the fourth quarter. This strategy made an immediate impact, with captain Phua Hong Yuan (#11, RP) leading the comeback with a three-point shot, two layups and one free throw to close the gap to 59-66. Vice captain En Ning (#13, RP) also contributed five crucial points during this period with a three-pointer and a layup.

The NTU coach's immediate response was to send in his big guns - captain Lim Bing Hui (#9, NTU) and starting centre Quan Ju to halt the RP run. Quan Ju proved his experience with a turnaround jumper while Bing Hui added much needed stability with his dribbling and passing. The RP run fizzled out as NTU won eventually by a comfortable margin of 74-61.

Tze Xiong (#5, NTU) finds his way blocked by Wayne (#9, RP) while Jonathan (#16, RP) looks on. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Gracious in defeat, Republic Poly's coach Teo Chin Hong lamented the tight fixtures.

"Quite a few of my players suffered injuries as a result of the intense scheduling. (RP played four consecutive matches in four days) Not to mention the lack of competitive games after this week. It seems that we train the entire year to play in one week!"

Yet he was happy with his team's performance.

"Despite the tiredness and injuries, I'm glad to see my team give their all in the game, especially in the fourth quarter when we nearly caught up with NTU. It exemplifies the fighting spirit and determination of the players."

Centre Quan Ju of NTU, on the other hand, explained his team's improved performance.

"We played a terrible game against NUS the previous match and were determined to make amends. After this game we're looking forward to playing NUS again though. And this time I'm sure the result will be different!"

Seems like the stage is set for exciting semifinal and final matches!

Nanyang Technological University:

Han Xiu (#1)
Zhang Hao (#3)
Jian Liang (#4)
Tze Xiong (#5)
Jin Feng (#6)
Jin Jie (#7)
Wai Keong (#8)
Lim Bing Hui (#9, captain)
Raymond (#14)
Benedict (#24)
Derrick Li (#26)
Yang Quan Ju (#36)
Jin Quan (#51)
Daryl (#96)

Republic Polytechnic:

Ting Yang (#4)
Royston (#5)
Darren (#6)
Vincent (#7, V Capt)
Wayne (#9)
Kai Wei (#10)
Phua Hong Yuan (#11, Capt)
Melvin (#12)
En Ning (#13, V Capt)
Sun Ke (#14)
Ben (#15)
Jonathan (#16)
Samuel (#17)

Coach - Mr Teo Chin Hong

Editor’s note: More pictures in the gallery.