Singapore Poly overturn third quarter deficit against Ngee Ann to qualify for IVP basketball final

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by REDintern Tan Jon Han.

Nanyang Technological University, Tuesday, January 19, 2010 – Singapore Polytechnic (SP) came back from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter to beat Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) 66-64 in a nail-biting semi-final of the men’s Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Basketball Championship.

Point guard Edwin Low led his side with 25 points as Singapore Polytechnic overcame the absence of key player Lim Wai Sian of the Singapore Slingers. Wai Sian had to fly with the Slingers to Brunei for an away game. It was Lim Wai Sian who brought SP to the semi-final with a brilliant performance against Nanyang Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic in the group stages.

"He is definitely a key player in the team and we missed him in this match," reflected Edwin Low. "It would definitely be easier if he was around, but the rest of the team was able to step up to the occasion."

Both teams went into the match with caution and it took awhile for them to get settled. A pair of free throws from Khaw Yeong Wooi gave NP the initial lead, but SP soon found the right passes and a three-pointer from Ong Jun Jie gave them the lead at 5-2 with 6.55 minutes left to play in the first.

NP, who performed beyond expectations despite being grouped against tough opponents, immediately replied with Pek Jia Rong nailing a three-pointer to keep within striking distance.

Towards the end of the first, poor ball handling resulted in turnovers for SP and their opponents capitalised with easy baskets. With a no-look pass from Pek Jia Rong, NP's #17 gave his side a 11-10 lead before Yeong Wooi sank a free throw to make it 12-10 to NP at the end of the first quarter.

NP continued the good work done in the first quarter as they stormed to an early lead. Jia Rong made a three-pointer to start the second before Wei Jun scored on a fast break to stretch NP's lead to seven points at 17-10. Strong defense was the key for NP as they held SP off successfully, with Jia Rong scoring on the break to establish a comfortable lead in the second quarter.

Three-point plays were also coming easily for NP. First, Khaw Yeong Wooi made his extra point count before NP’s #32 concluded the quarter on a positive note for NP with a three-point play of his own.

NP took a 32-22 lead into half-time.

The start of the third quarter belonged to NP as they continued to easily break down SP's defense while maintaining their own. A massive 12-point lead at 37-25 was established for NP when #32 made a three-point play with exactly eight minutes on the clock.

However, SP began to creep back into the match with very patient build-up play resulting in easy layups. Their passing around the arc asked plenty of questions of NP's defense as they shrunk NP's lead to just four points at 41-37. SP's #9 then brought the score to within two at 41-39.

Despite having their lead reduced significantly, Yeong Wooi ended the third quarter for his side on a positive note, scoring on a three-point play to give NP a 44-39 lead heading into the final quarter.

It took SP just four minutes to get back within two points with a three-pointer from Ong Jun Jie, making the score 48-50. Within the next minute, Edwin Low's layup followed by #24's effort on a quick break give SP the lead for the first time since the opening minutes with exactly five minutes left in the match.

NP were quick to level and claim back the lead with Wei Jun making a jump shot with 4:11 remaining to level the score. He contributed yet again with a little over two minutes left on the clock, making a layup to make the score 58-54 in favour of NP.

SP quickly overturned the deficit with a pair of free throws from Edwin Low before a mis-pass allowed #24 to score on the break and level the score at 58-58.

SP never trailed from here as NP chased the game. They were forced to foul Edwin Low and as a result, his free throws gave SP a 63-60 lead with one minute remaining. A number of free throws later, SP still held a 65-61 lead.

However, Yeong Wooi made a layup to make the score 65-63 with 12 seconds remaining before he was fouled. However, he only managed to make one of two free throws with SP collecting the rebound.

With only a one-point lead, SP’s nerves showed and while attempting to break, a misplaced pass was sent out of bounds, giving NP a brilliant chance to steal the victory.

However, NP were silenced by SP’s defense. Alfilail was able to steal the ball and he was immediately fouled. He made one of two free throws and despite a last attempt to level the match, NP ran out of time. The match finished 66-64 in favour of SP.

"It was definitely a team effort!" exclaimed Edwin Low who scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including seven free throws. "During the third quarter, when we were trailing by 12 points, we just concentrated on the game and attempted to fight back. Fortunately we did it today."

"We were rather fortunate in the group stages as we had an easier group, and now, we are aiming for the championship!" added Edwin.

It will be an all-polytechnic affair in the final after Temasek Polytechnic knocked out the defending champions Nanyang Technological University in the other semi-final.

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