SEA Games Basketball: Underdogs Singapore beat Malaysia for first time since 1979

Singapore players celebrate their historic win over Malaysia at the SEA Games. It was the first win for a Singapore basketball team over Malaysia at the SEA Games in 34 years. (Photo 1 by Peh Siong San/SSC)

Myanmar, Tuesday, December 10, 2013 – Underdogs Singapore beat neighbours Malaysia at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in basketball for the first time since 1979, a span of 34 years.

Singapore had three players with double-digit scoring in their 71–67 victory. Wong Wei Long had a game-high 17 points, including three 3-pointers. He was joined by Larry Liew with 13 points, which included three 3-pointers, and Russel Low with 11.

Malaysia were led by Koh Wei Tek who had 16 points, including two 3-pointers. His teammates Ban Sin Ooi and Tian Yuan Kuek had 13 and 11 points respectively.

The win improved Singapore to a 1–2 win-loss record after having lost their opening two games to Thailand and Philippines. For Malaysia, it was their first loss after two consecutive wins. Malaysia finished fourth at the 2011 SEA Games.

“We managed to secure three defensive stops in the last 59 seconds to win the game,” said Joe So, Singapore’s assistant coach. “There were many occasions where Malaysia came close to taking over the lead after losing it from the 7th minute. We were tied at the end of the first quarter and took a small lead, 38–32, after the second quarter. We led by as many as 10 points but they managed to close the gap to one point with 59 seconds remaining.”

“Defense on their point guard Ooi Ban Sin and shooting guard Larry Loh Shee Fai by Wong Wei Long and Desmond Oh and was instrumental in this victory. Defense on their bigs were also crucial in securing the boards. Team support from the bench kept the group motivated,” added Joe.

SEA Games debutants Russel Low and Delvin Goh also made their presence felt.

“Notable highlights of the game would be when Russel Low blocked a shot for us to go on a break but we turned the ball over. This was followed by Delvin Goh delivering another block shot and Weilong being fouled subsequently on the break,” recalled Joe about the last two minutes of the game.

Larry Liew was calm enough to sink two free throws with nine seconds left to put the game beyond doubt.

“It was a good defensive effort by the whole team. There was patience and discipline when running the set plays and getting good looks at the basket, although there were occasional lapse of concentration allowing Malaysia back into the game,” said Joe.

Singapore next play Indonesia on December 12. The Indonesians, who have a similar 1–2 record to Singapore, lost 53–61 to Malaysia and 59-75 to Thailand. Their sole win came in a 83–40 victory over Myanmar.

Score by Quarter
Singapore vs Malaysia
1st Q: 19–19
2nd Q: 19–13 (38–32)
3rd Q: 20–19 (58–51)
4th Q: 13–16
Final Score: 71–67

Singapore Scorers
Wong Wei Long (#5) – 17 points (3 x 3-pointers)
Larry Liew (#11) – 13 (3 x 3-pointers)
Russel Low (#15) – 11
Wu Qingde (#7) – 8
Lim Shengyu (#12) – 6
Ng Hanbin (#6) – 5
Desmond Oh (#8) – 5 (1 x 3-pointer)
Hong Weijian (#10) – 4
Delvin Goh (#14) – 2
Chase Tan (#9) – 0
Jabez Su (#4) – 0
Khaw Yeong Wooi (#13) – 0

Malaysia Scorers
Koh Wei Tek – 16 points (2 x 3-pointers)
Ban Sin Ooi – 13
Tian Yuan Kuek – 11
Yoong Jing Kwaan – 8
Hong Hoong Gan – 5
Loh Shee Fai – 5
Eng Heng Soo – 2
Lok Seng Mak – 2
Ng Sing Tee – 0
Choo Wei Hong – 0
Wong Chin Yong – 0

Video courtesy of Joe So

2013 SEA Games Men's Basketball Standings

2013 SEA Games Men's Basketball Fixtures

More photos next page