Story by Ellis Yap/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports

National A Division Basketball Championship RI vs AJC

Vignesh Rengarajan (#11) of Raffles Institution goes for the layup against Anderson Junior College. He scored 16 points in the victory. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 — Raffles Institution (RI) made it through to the final of the National A Division Basketball Championship with a 57–41 semi-final victory over Anderson Junior College (AJC).

RI were a competitive bunch, building an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They eventually emerged the victors, winning by 16 points. The top scorer of the game was Vignesh Rengarajan (RI #11) with a game-high 16 points.

RI got off to a quick start, with Chean Shao Jie (RI #7) receiving the ball at the back court, scoring a wide-open basket just seconds after the tip off.

On the ensuing possession, Justin Yeo (RI #10) capitalized on the turnover committed by AJC, and completed a three-point play.

AJC had a shaky start, as their key players were unable to convert easy baskets and good looks. The starters of AJC were unlike their usual self, as they appeared nervous with the ball.

Meanwhile, the full court defensive tactics from RI took a toll on the AJC team. RI intercepted a number of careless passes from AJC point guard Jason Lee (AJC #6) and forward Ng Jun Xiang (AJC #15).

Turnovers plagued AJC in the first quarter. AJC committed five turnovers in just five minutes of play in the first quarter.

While AJC were struggling, RI had their way on both ends. Vignesh Rengarajan (RI #11) was especially active on offense, displaying his athleticism and quickness as he drove to the basket play after play and scoring on most attempts.

Joel Ong (RI #5) put up the first three-pointer of the game in the final minute of the first quarter. RI got themselves comfortably ahead, leading 22–10 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was very much the same as the first. RI continued their surge, outscoring AJC 16–9 in the frame. It was pretty much a one-sided game with AJC constantly trying to close the gap but to no avail. Every time AJC scored a basket, RI answered back with a few more of their own.

The key players of AJC did not contribute enough to get their team back into the game, as they could not find their rhythm on both ends of the floor. AJC struggled from all perimeters and allowed RI to end the second period with a 38–19 lead.

RI were aggressive and focused, overshadowing the crowd support from AJC. AJC fell into a 20-point hole in the third quarter.

Despite outscoring RI 14–4 in the final quarter, the deficit built up over the first three periods of the game was just too steep to overcome for AJC. AJC eventually fell to RI 41–57, propelling RI to the final. It will be RI’s first final appearance since 2011.

Zaki Tan (#13), captain of RI, said, “I think we played well. We are through to the final and I think that it is all that matters. We will give our best showing in the final.”

In the other semi-final, Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) overcame Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) 59–57 in the final moments of the game to pull off a win.

RI will meet HCI in the final. The game will be played at 2.30 p.m. on May 19, at Jurong East Sports Hall. AJC and NYJC will face off in the 3rd/4th playoff game, which will be played at 2.30 p.m. on May 15, at the Singapore Basketball Centre.

Scoring by quarter
RI vs AJC
1st Quarter: 22–10
2nd Quarter: 16–9 (38–19)
3rd Quarter: 15–8 (53–27)
4th Quarter: 4–14 (57–41)

Top scorers
RI
Vignesh Rengarajan (#11) – 16 points
Justin Yeo (#10) – 14 points
Joel Ong (#5) – 6 points (2 x 3-pointers)

AJC
Han Jun Seo (#7) – 11 points (1 x 3-pointer)
Liang Bing Xin (#11) – 11 points

RI Roster
Ernest Chng (#4), Joel Ong (#5), Jieren Teh (#6), Chean Shao Jie (#7), Phi Phat (#8), Ejin Tan (#9), Justin Yeo (#10), Vignesh Rengarajan (#11), John Zhang (#12), Zaki Tan (#13), Jovi Lim (#14), Daran Huang (#15)

AJC Roster
Alven Lee (#4), Sherman Soh (#5), Jason Lee (#6), Han Jun Seo (#7), Lim Teck Leong (#8), Glenn Goh (#9), Wesley Teo (#10), Liang Bing Xin (#11), Dylan Lee (#12), Au Jun Wei (#13), Chong Yih Xuan (#14), Ng Jun Xiang (#15)

National A Division Basketball Championship — fixtures and results

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