Geylang Serai CC, Monday, June 20, 2011 — Home United beat Paya Lebar CSC 71-52 in a crucial game at the U17 Junior Basketball Championship. The situation was like this: Home United had previously lost to Tagawa Blue by 12 points in an earlier group game. However Tagawa Blue lost to Paya Lebar CSC by 10 points in another game as well. Home United therefore had to win their final group game against Paya Lebar CSC by at least 11 points to ensure qualification for the second round. Paya Lebar CSC, on the other hand, could afford to lose by 11 points and still qualify.

Early nerves affected both teams as Home United took a slender 2-1 lead after more than 4 minutes of play, underscoring the importance of the match. However, Home United raced ahead to a 7-1 lead after a few fast break forays to buoy their hopes of qualification.

Not to be outdone, Paya Lebar replied with some baskets of their own. The first quarter ended with Home United in the lead by 13-9.

Home United continued in a similar fast break scoring vein in the second quarter to extend their lead to 26-16 to reach within one point of the all important qualification point. The key for Home United in the first half had been rebounding – both offensive and defensive. Home United’s energetic forwards made the difference with numerous offensive rebounds for second chance points while sweeping up defensive rebounds to deny Paya Lebar any second chances.

Paya Lebar though, came storming back in the third quarter, led by some spectacular play from their forward Melvin Liow (#8). Scoring on a variety of fast break lay ups, spin moves and hoop shots, Melvin singlehandedly orchestrated his team’s comeback and closed the gap to 29-30 midway through the third quarter.

Home United though, survived the onslaught to close the third quarter with a 45-39 lead on the back of some disciplined offensive set play and accurate shooting, setting the stage for an exciting fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was all Home United. They went on a 26-13 scoring run as they ran rings around the tiring Paya Lebar defenders to achieve a memorable 71-52 victory. Paya Lebar tried desperately to foul in the closing minutes of the game to close the gap but their hopes failed to materialise.

Home United topped the group in qualifying for the second round with the big win while Tagawa Blue managed to qualify in second place at Paya Lebar CSC’s expense.

Player List for Home United
#4 Sim Yong Jun
#5 Tan Jia Kang
#6 Ng Yong Hao
#7 Edmund Goh
#8 Daven Khaw
#9 Yeow Yong Chin
#10 John Ng
#11 Julian Lim
#12 Tan Yuan Yang
#13 Emgeeyar Gopal
#14 Hosea Chua
#15 Teo Yo Chong

Player List for Paya Lebar CSC
#4 Norman Cheng
#5 Bervyn Teo
#6 Tan Jun Jie
#7 Zoel Lee
#8 Melvin Liow
#9 Ong Xuan Wei
#10 Ng Yu Yang
#11 Royston Ng
#12 Ling Yoke Ming
#13 Luo Qi Qing
#14 Cherwin Lim
#15 Benjamin Lim

Scoring by Quarters
Home United v Paya Lebar CSC
1st Q: 13-9
2nd Q: 13-7
3rd Q: 19-23
4th Q: 26-13