Story By Zachary Foo/Red Sports. Photos by Joseph Lee/Red Sports
Juliana Ang (SIM #30) pulling down the offensive board. (Photo 1 © Joseph Lee/Red Sports)
NUS University Town, Monday, September 23, 2013 — Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) rode a strong second half to defeat Singapore Management University (SMU) 62–33. SMU were able to keep close early with consistent play, something that was lacking in their previous games in the Singapore University Games (SUniG) Basketball Championship. However, SIM turned up the intensity in the second half, capitalising on turnovers in the backcourt to break away.
This win means that SIM seal the runner-up spot in SUniG, finishing with a 2–1 win-loss record. They lost to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 52–74 and clinched a close game against National University of Singapore (NUS). SMU finish in last place with a 0–3 record, in what must be a frustrating SUniG season for the team. Nevertheless, their performance in their final game showed some positives that they could carry over into the next SUniG season.
Jacqueline Tan (SIM #14) was in imperious form, nailing four straight 3-pointers on her way to a game-high 14 points for SIM on the scoring charts. Meanwhile, Grace Poo (SMU #10) led her team with 10 points.
Juliana Ang (SIM #30) started off the game strong, driving hard to the basket and finding open teammates. This opened up SIM’s offense, allowing them to get shots near the rim. However, they were unable to convert most of them. SMU had partial success in their offense, managing to find their rhythm in the middle of the quarter to keep themselves close. The quarter ended with SIM leading 16–10.
SMU’s sloppy passing in the second quarter cost them some points, but they were able to hang on due to SIM’s profligacy when taking open shots. Even with the imposing figure of Amber Joy Estad (SMU #15) in the middle, the rebounding battle between both teams was fairly even.
SIM’s disciplined mentality when it came to tracking down rebounds more than made up for their lack in size. They also ramped up their intensity on defence, switching to man-to-man. This clearly bothered SMU who racked up a couple of shot-clock violations. SIM were able to hold a five-point lead going into the half.
The break seemed to revitalised SIM, as they showed increased activity on defense. SIM’s guards showed good hands in the passing lanes, creating turnovers and scoring on the other end. SMU had a lion’s share of the offensive boards, but were unable to convert those opportunities.
SMU’s fatigue started to show in the fourth quarter, as their main players were exhausted from nearly playing the whole game. On the bright side, Amber Joy Estad (SMU #15) was gobbling offensive rebounds for opportunities, but her finishing left much to be desired.
In the end, SIM finished the game 62–33 victors, clinching them second place in SUniG. This means that they qualify for the upcoming Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) tournament, along with NUS and NTU.
Shok Chen (SIM #19) had a mixed reaction about the win. “I think today’s game was really quiet. We were really quite bothered by the fact that it’s the last game for some of us. That was why I felt that we were not playing to our fullest ability. Looking towards IVP, I hope that we can do well and aim for first!”
Scoring by Quarter
SIM vs SMU
1st Q: 16–10
2nd Q: 11–12 (27–22)
3rd Q: 18–6 (45–28)
4th Q: 17–5 (62–33)
Top Scorers
SIM
Jacqueline Tan (#14) – 14 points (4 x 3 pointers)
Juliana Ang Wei Theng (#30) – 9 points
SMU
Grace Ang Poo Yin (#8) – 10 points
Amber Joy Estad (#15) – 9 points
SIM Roster
Evelyn Lew Yi Ling (#1), Loh Yu Hong (#3), Lee Xiang Lin (#4), Roxanne Yeo Yee Ling (#6), Por Zhi Mei (#10), Lee Xin Yu (#11), Jacqueline Tan (#14), Koo Shok Chen (#19), Liu Xia Yu (#21), Pham Hoang Lan (#24), Juliana Ang Wei Theng (#30), Chong Hui Pin (#72), Jesse Lee Ya Wen (#87), Zoey Chua (#96)
SMU Roster
Devika Agarwal (#3), Gustirani Amelia Retmono (#4), Yang Ha Young (#5), Janice Lim Xin Yi (#7), Grace Ang Poo Yin (#8), Hikmath Eyitayo (#9), Connie Ho Kam Hang (#10), Sofia Henrietta (#11), Dominique Van Pelt (#12), Ramola Nayanpally (#13), Rachel Goh Jia Min (#14), Amber Joy Estad (#15), Stine Klud (#27)
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