Minyi beat Singapore Schools (Red) in double overtime to win U-18 Youth Cup

Story by REDintern Shaun Neo. Pictures contributed by reader Krist.

A Minyi player drives through the Red defence. (Photo 1 © Krist)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Sunday, July 6, 2008 – Minyi ended the winning streak of Singapore Schools (Red) in the final round of the Under-18 Junior Basketball Championship with a 91-90 win after two gruelling overtime periods. Taking advantage of the absence of center Lim Shengyu (#15, Singapore Schools Red), Minyi emerged victorious to claim the U-18 Youth Cup. Despite a 10-point lead held by Singapore Schools Red at one time, there was an incredible thirty-two lead changes throughout the game, demonstrating how evenly matched both teams were.

With the absence of Lim Shengyu (#15, Singapore Schools Red) and the late arrival of Calvin Chia (#4, Singapore Schools Red), Singapore Schools had a lacklustre first quarter performance as they trailed throughout. Meanwhile, Minyi looked confident and determined to hold on to their lead for good.

Having warmed up in the first quarter, Calvin Chia instilled some momentum as his team outscored Minyi by three points to take over the lead in the second quarter. However, Singapore Schools Red had also racked up numerous fouls in the course of outscoring Minyi as they faced huge resistance in defence, as well as offence. The onset of the foul trouble proved to be a critical factor in the defeat of Singapore Schools Red defeat as the game went into overtime.

Despite a highly intense third quarter, the critical fourth quarter provided all the drama. With a 9-2 run to start the fourth quarter, Singapore Schools Red appeared to have regained their form and dominance on the basketball court. However, the Minyi #6 rose to the challenge as he responded with agile movement for easy baskets and precise shooting from the free throw line. With just half a minute in the quarter, Minyi continue to trail by two points. Minyi’s #10, however, showed his determination to win with a converted desperate attempt that thrust the game into overtime.

With a less balanced roster, the Minyi team was at a disadvantage in overtime. Nonetheless, players from the Minyi team proved that winning is a matter of mind over body as they continued matching Singapore Schools Red. At this crucial moment, the Minyi #14 fouled out. This was critical to the Minyi team as #14’s contribution was not easily replaceable.

Fortunately, Minyi #6 stepped up his game as he continued to draw fouls with his penetration and he punished the Singapore Schools Red team with great precision from the line to put his team up by three points in the closing seconds of the first overtime.

Calvin Chia (#4, Singapore Schools Red), however, had other ideas. As the team reorganized with a time out, Calvin set up a play for himself as he successfully sank a shot from beyond the arc to extend the game once more to tie the game up and send it into the second overtime.

With five more minutes of game time, both teams were at their limits of stamina and skill as searched for victory. However, the effects of foul trouble begin to take its toll on Singapore School Red as Calvin (#4, Red), Wei Xian (#13, Red) and #8 fouled out of the game. To compound their woes, Colin Chou (#6, Singapore Schools Red) was unable to perform at his usual high standards due to a strained calf as he missed a lay-up. On the other hand, the Minyi #6 continued to be undaunted by the pressure as he contributed six out of seven points, including the critical final two free throws to bring home the glory for his team.

Final Score: 91-90

Top Scorer:
Minyi #6: 23 points
Minyi #10: 21 points
Singapore Schools Red #14: 22 points
Ang Wei Xian (#13, Singapore Schools Red): 18 points

Another Minyi player goes for the basket while a Schools Red player defends. (Photo 2 © Krist)

The Minyi #11 goes on a layup. (Photo 3 © Krist)

Another Minyi attempt to penetrate the paint. (Photo 4 © Krist)