Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
Desmond Loh (RP #32) accelerates for the fast-break lay-up. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
RP Sports Complex, Friday, June 23, 2017 — Steady scoring and defense by Republic Polytechnic (RP) shone through as they took down Singapore Management University (SMU) 58-50 in the National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) Basketball League.
This win gives RP a 2-1 win-loss record. They defeated Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) but lost to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) previously. They will be up against Singapore Polytechnic (SP) next.
On the other hand, SMU have a 1-1 win-loss record. They defeated SP previously and will play against NTU next.
Zhen Yuhui (RP #4) made a fast-break and three as RP went on a 7-0 run to start the game. However, Bryant Tan (SMU #14) answered with an offensive put-back and a floater of his own.
Both sides were trading baskets but it was RP that upped their defensive intensity which helped get them several defensive stops. They capitalized on the offensive opportunities created to steadily increase their lead. Tng Zhi Cai (RP #2) knocked down another three before the first quarter ended to bring RP up 18-11.
RP continued their stellar defensive efforts in the second quarter. They restricted SMU to just 11 points while they scored 22 after a floater from Marco Kok (RP #11) ended the first half. RP were up 40-22 at the half.
Taking the half-time break to compose themselves, SMU came out and upped their defensive intensity and capitalized on their shots. Brandon Ong (SMU #91) provided an offensive spark with his 10 points off the bench and bolstered SMU’s interior presence. Despite that, RP were still able to score off some good plays. SMU were able to cut the lead RP down to 14 heading into the fourth.
SMU continued their defensive intensity into the fourth. While they are getting more defensive stops, SMU could not capitalize on their plays. RP’s earlier defense had affected SMU’s shooting rhythm. Unable to capitalize on their plays in the fourth quarter, SMU’s comeback efforts fell short. RP took the game 58-50.
Captain Tng Zhi Cai (RP #2) commented, “We didn’t really play well in our fourth quarter. SMU fought hard in the fourth quarter, they were down 15 but managed to chase back to eight points. They fought hard unlike us. We didn’t do our best. I feel like we can improve on both defense and offense even though we had the lead throughout the four quarters. We should put in 100 percent and play to our standards.
“Despite that, I am proud of our defense. We managed to stop their key player Peter (SMU #4) who didn’t score a lot today unlike in his other games. I think we did well in this part but can definitely work more on our offense.”
Scoring by Quarter
RP vs SMU
1st Q: 18-11
2nd Q: 22-11 (40-22)
3rd Q: 11-15 (51-37)
4th Q: 07-13 (58-50)
Top Scorers
RP
Desmond Loh Wai Kin (#32) – 14 pts
Tng Zhi Cai (#2) – 11 pts
SMU
Peter Soo (#4) – 10 pts
Bryant Tan (#14) – 10 pts
Brandon Ong (#91) – 10 pts
RP Roster
Fong Hao Seng (#1), Tng Zhi Cai (#2), Zhen Yuhui (#4), Zoel Lee Heng Kiat (#7), Andy Yeow Jun Hui (#8), Ling Yoke Ming (#9), Hiew Zi Jie (#10), Marco Kok Jiahao (#11), Poh Yong Xian Daniel (#12), Andrew Tang Wei Jie (#13), Abdul Rahman B Ali (#16), Hiew Ziwei (#23), Seet Zhi Yun (#24), Eddy Chew Jun Wei (#25), Ho Xing Herng (#31), Desmond Loh Wai Kin (#32), V Lavin Raj (#34), Chan Jia Yuan, Tan Cheng Shan, Goh Jun Xian
SMU Roster
Alex Liew (#2), Peter Soo (#4), Ng Yee Jian (#7), Benedict Lim (#9), Shaun Lim (#11), Wilfred Tan (#13), Bryant Tan (#14), Wei Chang (#14purple), Dominic Lim (#16), Mikhael (#18), Koh Bu Jin (#23), Ka Jin (#24), Brandon Ong (#91)
NYSI Basketball League – fixtures and results
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