Story by REDintern Nicole Lum. Photos by Lim Yong Teck and Clara Yuan/Red Sports

West Zone B Division Basketball Championship Unity Secondary vs Bukit Panjang Government High

Thng Yong-An (#8) of Unity and Ang Zi Yang (#9) of Bukit Panjang tussle for possession of the ball. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

Jurong West Sports Hall, Friday, February 13, 2015 — Unity Secondary (USS) defeated Bukit Panjang Government High (BPGHS) 85–34 for their second victory in the second round of the West Zone B Division Basketball Championship.

John Christopher (USS #7) anchored his team with a game-high 21 points, which included four three-pointers. On the other hand, Bukit Panjang’s top scorer was Ang Zi Yang (#9), who had a team-high 15 points.

The first quarter saw Unity carry out a 13–0 run for the first nine minutes. The team displayed an impenetrable defence that did not allow Bukit Panjang to attack the basket. Unity showed good rebounding and scored relentlessly. Hence, the quarter ended with a score of 13–4 to Unity, as Bukit Panjang could only manage to score four points in the last one minute of the quarter.

Into the second quarter, Bukit Panjang had a tough time driving to the basket and could only score through fast breaks and several free throws. However, their efforts were limited as Unity cleverly locked down Bukit Panjang’s key player, Ang Zi Yang (#9), who is on the national youth squad. Upon realising, Bukit Panjang became visibly anxious. As a result, they missed several of their shots. On the other hand, Unity continued to look relaxed as they played on, ending the quarter with a larger lead of 36–13.

A total of six three-pointers were executed by Unity, one after another, in the third quarter of the game. Two minutes into the quarter, Unity began their three-point spree as Brandon Tan (USS #4), John Christopher (USS #7), Thng Yong-An (USS #8) took turns to do so. Bukit Panjang could not keep up as they continued to miss their shots, only making the low-range ones. The team started to lack teamwork while Unity maintained their exceptional support on-court, displaying accurate passes. The third quarter hence ended with a score of 63–21.

In the final quarter, despite successful attempts from Bukit Panjang to drive the ball and break through their opponent’s tight defence, most of their their efforts were halted at the basket as their shots were either missed or intercepted by Unity. In addition, Unity continued to block Ang Zi Yang (BPGHS #9). However, Bukit Panjang were able to capitalize on the many free throws given to them due to Unity’s penalties. While Bukit Panjang managed to score the most (13 points) in the final quarter of the game, Unity still emerged as winners of the game with a score of 85–34.

Captain of Unity, Thng Yong-An (#8), said, “Although we have won all the games up until now, we played better this round and I think that this is our best game so far. This game was easy to us.”

For their next game, Unity will play New Town Secondary on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 12.30 p.m.

“Jurong is our toughest competitor,” added Thng. The face-off will take place for their last game of round two of the championship, on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at 1.45 p.m.

On the other hand, Bukit Panjang will next face Assumption English School on Wednesday, Feb 25, 2015, at 1.45 p.m.

All games will be held at Jurong West Sports Hall.

Scoring by Quarter
Unity vs Bukit Panjang
1st Q: 13–4
2nd Q: 23–9 (36–13)
3rd Q: 27–8 (63–21)
4th Q: 22–13 (85–34)

Top Scorers
Unity
Caraig John Christopher Bico (#7) – 21 points (4 x 3-pointers)

Bukit Panjang
Ang Zi Yang (#9) – 15 points

Unity Roster
Brandon Tan Jun Kai (#4), Lok Jun Jie (#5), Huang Jun Heng (#6), Caraig John Christopher Bico (#7), Thng Yong-An (#8), Tan Min Hui (#9), Karl Brian Dizon Villegas (#10), Liu En Hong (#11), Matthew Choo Ming-En (#12), Maverick Jercel E. Dasig (#13), Sheares Ang (#14), Victor Benedict V. Montallana (#15)

Bukit Panjang Roster
Yong Jun Wei (#4), Javen Leong Qi Xin (#5), Ryan Lee Qi Xuan (#6), Lim Xiu Wei (#7), Tan Jia You (#8), Ang Zi Yang (#9), Edmund Leong En Ming (#10), Ryan Choo Yan (#11), Kwek Yujing (#12), Wu Duocai (#13), Josaiah Leong Pin Song (#14), Tee Zhi Zhang (#15)

2015 West Zone B Division Basketball Championship (Boys) – Fixtures and Results

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