By Rebecca Yip/Red Sports

Unity vs Jurong C Div bball

Nigel Ong (#9) of Jurong goes for two against the defence of Shahrul Ramdum (#15) of Unity. Nigel had 7 points in the game while Shahrul finished with 6. Mao Yu Xian (#14) of Jurong had a game-high 10 points. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)

 

Clementi Sports Hall, Friday, July 20, 2012 — In the most anticipated clash of the West Zone C Division Basketball Championship, Unity Secondary overcame arch-rivals, Jurong Secondary, 35-30.

It was the first time this season both teams have scored so few points in a game, a reflection of how closely matched they were. Their next highest scoring games saw them sink at least 46 points.

Both teams had perfect 4-0 win-loss records coming into this game with their semi-final places sewn up. At stake was pride and top spot of Group Y.

Both teams’ fighting spirit showed from the start as they played at a frantic pace and using every opportunity to strip their opponents of the ball. The atmosphere off-court was just as intense, with both sides bringing large numbers of supporters to cheer them on.

Unity drew first blood with a basket from captain, Foo Jun Lin (#10), and teammate, Kovic Lee (#8), added another soon after. Unity’s speed was a challenge for Jurong, whose strength lay mostly in their height and size. Jurong’s captain, Mao Yu Xian (#14), and Isham (#13), kept up a relentless blocking defense as they tried to shut their quicker opponents down.

Even though Jurong were behind on points for most of the game, and at one stage eight points behind, they were no pushovers and were right on Unity’s tail.

The first two quarters saw both teams tied up at 8-8 and 18-18.

Mao Yu Xian (#14) put Jurong in the lead for the first time in the game in the last minute of the third quarter as they took a slim 24-23 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Jurong’s lack of stamina let them down as Unity began to pull ahead. Unity’s Shahrul Ramdum (#15) was key to his team’s win in the last quarter. The precise timing of his jumps allowed him to intercept and block many of Jurong’s attempted shots, and helped Unity capitalise on the turnovers, to eventually win the game 35-30.

Unity’s Captain, Foo Jun Lin (#10), was proud of his team’s showing. He said, “We were feeling scared coming into the match, but we fought hard.”

The Jurong team was also feeling scared, according to Captain, Mao Yu Xian (#14). His wish now is for Jurong to get into the finals and hopefully, get to have a rematch with Unity.

As top of Group Y, Unity faces rank 2 of Group X, New Town Secondary in their semi-finals, while Jurong goes up against Bukit Panjang Government High.

Both games take place at 3pm on Monday, July 23, 2012 at Clementi Sports Hall.

Score by Quarter
Jurong vs Unity
1st Q: 8-8
2nd Q: 10-10 (18-18)
3rd Q: 6-5 (24-23)
4th Q: 6-12
Final: 30-35

Top Scorers
Jurong
Mao Yu Xian (#14) – 10 points
Eugene Yeong (#8) – 8 points
Nigel Ong (#9) – 7 points

Unity
Thng Yong An (#5) – 9 points
John Christopher (#7) – 7 points
Shahrul Ramdum (#15) – 6 points
Lee Kovic (#8) – 5 points

Jurong Secondary Roster 
Simeon (#4), Kurt Tan (#5), Chew Hong Xiang (#6), Wu Mingming (#7), Eugene Yeong (#8), Nigel Ong (#9), Bryan Ang (#10), Zester Tay (#11), Jordon Boey (#12), Isham (#13), Mao Yu Xian (#14), Galton Yeo (#15)

Unity Secondary Roster
Indra Dzuliman (#4), Thng Yong An (#5), Markus Lin (#6), John Christopher (#7), Lee Kovic (#8), Tan Ming Hui (#9), Foo Jun Lin (#10), David Martin (#11), Eugene Odulio (#12), Brandon Tan (#13), Leon Chin (#14), Shahrul Ramdum (#15)

West Zone C Division Basketball Championship – full fixtures and results

More photos in gallery next page