Youth Olympic Basketball: Singapore boys fall to Central Africa Republic in opening match of FIBA 33

By Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Tan Jon Han/Red Sports

*Scape Youth Park, Sunday, August 15, 2010 – Despite a confident start, the Singapore boys’ basketball team were unable to deliver as they went down 17-25 against Central Africa Republic (CAF) in their opening Group C match of the Youth Olympic Games FIBA basketball.

Although Singapore took an early lead, they missed chances to extend it and CAF punished them for the wasted opportunities. Singapore only made six of their 19 field goal attempts, shooting just 22% from beyond the arc. CAF took the lead 7-6 midway through the first half before going on a 12-1 run to establish their lead. Singapore were able to reduce the gap, but never saw the lead again as CAF held on for the win.

“We were definitely aiming for the win today but we didn’t play to our normal standard,” commented a disappointed Russel Low, who scored five points and pulled down six rebounds. “We weren’t aggressive enough and that was why we lost. Our screens were not successful as well and we couldn’t receive the ball. We will review our performance today and see how we can improve for our next match.”

Russel gave Singapore the perfect start, posting up for the easy basket within the first 20 seconds. The match then became very cagey with both teams feeling each other out. Jabez Su, who finished with nine points, drove to the basket for a 6-4 lead, but that was the last time Singapore held the lead.

After 2:20 minutes, CAF’s captain’s Rochris Anthony Gouzhy nailed back-to-back three-pointers to spark a 12-1 run for this side. Neil Wilfried Londoumon also made a couple of jumpers to hurt Singapore as they sealed the first half 16-7 up.

Captain Jabez Su started the match on the bench, but he sprang to life in the second half. He scored seven straight points including a three-pointer to put his team back into the match. Singapore were only down 14-19 at this point and they had a couple of opportunities to close in on their opponents. However, they wasted those chances and CAF put six more points on the board to halt any chance of a Singapore comeback.

Larry Liew made a three pointer at the buzzer, but his effort came way too late as Singapore fell 17-25.

“In all our matches, we aim to win,” said coach Neo Nam Kheng. “But we have no idea how this team plays and we have never seen them play before. So we made changes in the second half, but they were too good. Overall they were better than us.”

“Everyone did what they should do, but Larry could do more today,” anazyled coach Neo about Singapore’s forward. “I expect him to rebound more, but he got into foul trouble. His shooting wasn’t up to standard today as well.”

Singapore will next face Turkey on Monday, August 16th, at 12 noon.

For Singapore fixtures and results, go to our 2010 YOG fixtures page