By REDintern Lim Yong Teck
Maisarah (#7) of Unity drives against Lydia (#5) of Zhonghua. Unity won the game 81–22 to bag their first win of the National B Division Basketball Championship. (Photo 1 © REDintern Lim Yong Teck)
Clementi Sports Hall, Monday, March 25, 2013 — Unity Secondary defeated Zhonghua Secondary 81–22 to win their first game in the National B Division Girls’ Basketball Championship.
Unity dominated the entire game, never once going easy on their opponents as they utilised a full-court defensive press throughout the four quarters.
Unity started the quarter out strong with Chia Siu Wei (#11) knocking down a trey within the first 20 seconds. A subsequent three-pointer made by Siu Wei extended Unity’s lead to 6–0. With four minutes remaining, Lydia Ong (#5) of Zhonghua scored a free throw, temporarily halting Unity’s run at 6–1.
Unity responded with Siu Wei and Musrifah Fadzlia (#12) scoring on fast break attempts off Zhonghua’s turnovers, increasing their lead to 11 (12–1). With the clock ticking down, Lui Sixuan (#6) of Zhonghua managed to sink a buzzer beating jumper to end the quarter at 12–3.
The Unity squad continued to shine in the second quarter. Zhonghua’s Tay Shiying (#8) stepped up for her team with several steals, but the team just could not capitalise and convert their baskets. With Unity’s speed, they caused numerous turnovers against their slower counterparts and capitalised on more fast break baskets to end the half leading 31–7.
The third quarter saw a similar outcome as the earlier half. After a Zhonghua basket (31–9), Unity’s relentless defence and attacks sparked a 17–0 run. With 5 minutes left on the clock, Chiang Wen Hsin (#11) of Zhonghua tried to halt the run with a layup (48–11) but Priscilla Wong of Unity (#5) dropped back-to-back threes to pull even further away. Unity eventually outscored Zhonghua 31–8 to take a 47-point lead at 62–15.
The situation did not improve for Zhonghua in the final 10 minutes. Despite having an impressive lead, Unity continued their tight defence and blew away their opponents to seal the game at 81–22.
Unity’s captain, Au Zi Yu (#9) said: “We felt that we did not give our complete best and still have room for improvement. The team did well in our defence, giving us easier baskets.”
Sixuan, captain of Zhonghua, commented: “Although we committed many turnovers, I felt that the team did well against the better team. We will continue to work harder for our upcoming games.”
Score by Quarter
Unity vs Zhonghua
1st Q: 12–3
2nd Q: 19–4 (31–7)
3rd Q: 31–8 (62–15)
4th Q: 19–7 (81–22)
Unity Roster
Yeo Ci Yuan Rachel (#4), Priscilla Wong Ting Hui (#5), Lee Jia Yi (#6), Maisarah Bte Mohammad Sauki (#7), Eliya Sabrina Bte Suhaimi (#8), Au Zi Yu (#9), Cheryl Ong Ying Qi (#10), Chia Siu Wei (#11), Musrifah Fadzlia Bte Masiran (#12), Lim Xiang Xuan (#13), Ng Xin Yi (#14), Torralba Jessah Marie Rara (#15)
Zhonghua Roster
Jessica Mok (#4), Lydia Ong Si Jia (#5), Lui Sixuan (#6), Chong Si Qing (#7), Tay Shiying (#8), Sin Kia Suan (#9), Chiang Wen Hsin (#10), Tan Si Ying (#11), Evonne Hu Ching Yi (#12), Nicole Ching (#13), Vivian Lim Shu Xian (#14), Wong Kai Qin (#15)
2013 National B Division Girls’ Basketball Championship — fixtures and results
More photos next page
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