Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
Lloyd Ng (HCI #2) goes all the way for the open layup. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
OCBC Arena, Friday, May 12, 2017 — Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) played well on both ends of the floor down the stretch to stun Pionner Junior College (PJC) with a 51-47 victory in the National A Division Basketball Championship.
With this win, HCI have secured themselves a spot in the semi-final. They have a 6-1 win-loss record since their first round games. HCI defeated defending champions Raffles Institution (RI) previously in round two and will play against Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) next.
On the other hand, this game gives PJC their first loss of the season. They have a 6-1 win-loss record since their first round games. PJC had previously defeated NYJC in round two and will play against defending champions RI next. To advance, PJC will have to take the next game.
As the game went underway, both teams knew this was a crucial game to determine who would get the upper-hand in advancing to the semi-final. Both sides were out to play. However, it was PJC with the edge as they made use of their fast-paced play-style to go on an 11-0 run to lead 15-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Despite that, HCI were unfazed. They played on calmly. Lloyd Ng (HCI #2) of HCI stepped up and made big-time shots throughout the game. He scored two three-point shots in a row to cut PJC’s lead to one. Other than that, Vernen Lim (HCI #35) also contributed with his scoring which helped gave HCI the 28-23 lead at the half.
Going into the third quarter, PJC went back into the game with every intention to catch up. They played well defensively to stop HCI from getting open looks and capitalized on their offense. PJC went on a 10-0 run to take the two-point lead. However, Brandon Wu (HCI #9) made a basket to tie things up at 33. With time winding down in the third, Gavin Tay (PJC #11) made a tough shot to give PJC the 35-33 lead.
Heading into the fourth, knowing this was the crucial moment, both sides gave their all without letting up. They traded baskets and were trying to get the edge over the other. Both teams were tied at 43 before Low Junchen (PJC #0) made a tough layup to give PJC the two point lead. On the ensuing play, Lloyd Ng (HCI #2) stepped up for HCI once again to knock down the three and give HCI the one-point lead. Keith Png (HCI #17) was able to make a hook shot thereafter to increase their lead to three.
Despite that, Gavin Tay (PJC #11) hit a tough floater to cut HCI’s lead to one. However, Brandon Wu (HCI #9) came up clutch after drawing the foul by knocking down both free-throws to increase their lead once again.
With time winding down, HCI came up huge defensively to get a steal from PJC. In attempt to stop the time, PJC fouled Brandon Wu (HCI #9) who made one of two free-throws to make it a two-possession game for PJC with 14.7 seconds left.
While PJC called timeout to draw up a play, HCI were ready for them. HCI stopped their plan and eventually secured the 51-47 victory over PJC.
Lloyd Ng (HCI #2) who played huge minutes for HCI said, “One of my teammates got injured previously and so everyone had to step up today. My teammates created the open shots for me so it was on me to convert those baskets into points. I just wanted to meet their expectations.”
HCI captain, Brandon Wu (HCI #9), added, “I feel that we have a good start in the second round. We brought the momentum from our previous games forward and were able to secure the victory today. However, we cannot be complacent. We need to keep fighting, keep up this intensity and treat our opponents with respect.”
“We are very happy with what we achieved today but ultimately this is not our goal. Our goal is the championship and we will use these games as momentum and keep peaking to bring this intensity all the way to the finals which is what we are aiming for.”
Scoring by Quarter
HCI vs PJC
1st Q: 09-15
2nd Q: 19-08 (28-23)
3rd Q: 05-12 (33-35)
4th Q: 18-12 (51-47)
Top Scorers
HCI
Lloyd Ng (#2) – 21 pts (5 X 3-pointers)
PJC
Gavin Tay Wei Yu (#11) – 17 pts
Gundu Mahidhar Reddy (#9) – 16 pts
HCI Roster
Travis Thong (#0), Wei Yongxi (#1), Lloyd Ng (#2), Chua Qiwei (#4), Brandon Wu (#9), Sheng Kiat (#10), Shaune Ang (#11), Shengwei (#13), Lee Yue Han (#15), Keith Png (#17), Greg G Tan (#32), Vernen Lim (#35), Ray (#54), Kenneth Koh (#69), Cheah Yan (#91)
PJC Roster
Low Junchen (#0), Tan Jia Sheng, Jason (#1), Gregory Chan Xu Zhan (#6), Joshner B De Guzman (#7), Thomas Joseph Lee Alba (#8), Gundu Mahidhar Reddy (#9), Gavin Tay Wei Yu (#11), Ng Jun Kai, Shawn (#12), Lim Jin Long (#13), Tony Zhang Xue Yi (#14), Dexter Tan Yan Liang (#17), Mohammad Yousuf (#23)
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