By REDintern Khairulnizam
Sim Zhen (#13) of North Vista about to get a shot off after having gone around Kiri Ng (#13) of Presbyterian High. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Singapore Basketball Centre, Monday, March 4, 2013 — Defending champions North Vista Secondary brushed aside Presbytarian High 62-54 to enter the final of the North Zone B Division Basketball Championship.
Lim Jun Yuan (#5) of North Vista had a game-high 18 points while Wong Zhong Han (#10) had a team-high 17 for Presbyterian High.
Both teams came out of their huddles with fire in their eyes, determined to earn themselves a spot in the final. As a result, the first quarter was tight and neither team could build a solid lead.
At the half way stage of the first quarter, North Vista led 10-5, but Presbyterian High were quick to fight back in the last two minutes to trail by one at 11-12 , bringing the score back down to 12:11 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter unfolded in the same manner, with the match being too close to call. This was especially so for Presbyterian High who were able to score vital points whenever North Vista looked like they were running away with the lead.
At half time, North Vista led 26-21.
North Vista were a different team in the third quarter. Basing their attack on fast breaks, they started to pull away as Presbyterian High made mistakes in their gameplay, fumbling the ball and allowing their opponents to make key interceptions.
By the halfway mark of the third quarter, North Vista had built a 16-point, 41-25 lead. This continued till the buzzer signaled the end of the quarter, with the scoreboard showing North Vista leading 51-33.
Presbyterian High started the comeback as soon as the game restarted in the final quarter. They managed to frustrate North Vista, causing them to commit fouls and thus grabbing points on the free throws that followed.
North Vista failed to capitalize on their attacks in the final quarter, which allowed Presbyterian High to cut the deficit to six points (58-52) in the final two minutes of the game. However, North Vista were able to hold on to their lead to win 62-54.
When quizzed on his team’s performance, Myron Lim (#7), captain of North Vista said: “It was okay, it was not too tough of a game for us. We expected the outcome today.”
“The highlight of the game to me was winning the fouls and capitalizing on the free throws,” he added.
When asked on his chances in the finals, Myron Lim replied: “I’m not too sure, but you can be sure that my team and I will do our best to win it!”
“We will be working on our defense, especially blocking and stopping the opponent’s shots.”
Keith Chua, captain of Presbyterian High, said North Vista were a tough team.
“We tried our best today. It was a tough game against a tough team. Although we lost, we will still continue to fight, especially in the next round,” said Keith.
“The highlight of the game for me is the match itself. Playing against a top opponent like North Vista Sec was an experience in itself,” Keith added.
When quizzed on his thoughts on the 3rd/4th placing matchup, he said: “If we play a good defense and keep up our standard of the game, I believe that we can win.”
“In order to do so, we will have to work on our defense and our rebounds especially. I think we lost the game today due to this issue. We will have to take our chances and keep possession in the next game.”
North Vista will face Canberra in the final next Monday, March 11th at 2.45pm at the Singapore Basketball Centre.
Presbytarian High will face Ahmad Ibrahim to decide who finishes third in the zone this Wednesday, March 6th, 2.30pm, at the same venue.
Score by Quarter
North Vista vs Presbytarian High
1st Quarter — 12-11
2nd Quarter — 13-10 (26-21)
3rd Quarter — 15-12 (51-33)
4th Quarter — 11-21 (62-54)
Top Scorer
North Vista
Lim Jun Yuan (#5) — 18 points
Presbyterian High
Wong Zhong Han (#10) — 17 points
North Vista Roster
Dorgee Chokka Lama (#4), Lim Jun Yuan (#5), Chua Yi Heng (#6), Myron Lim (#7), Ng Zhong Kang (#8), Kelvin Chu (#9), Solomon Goh (#10), Darrel Teng (#11), Ng Yu Jie (#12), Sim Zhen (#13), Shiek Ridwan (#14), Bryan Ng (#15)
Presbytarian High Roster
Liau Li Jiang (#4), Keith Chua Song Lin (#5), Tan Ejin (#6), Tay Zhi Kang Jonas (#7), Tng Zhi Cai (#8), Lin Shengxiang (#9), Wong Zhong Han (#10), Lee Wee Jin Dylan (#11), Lim Zhi Cong (#12), Kiri Ng Yong Wen (#13), Abel Lim Han Yang (#14), Ng Huai Xi Nigel (#15)
2013 North Zone B Division Basketball Championship — fixtures and results
More photos next page
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