Story by Tessa Cho/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Toh Tze Cong (#8) of Hwa Chong Institution shoots the ball against Aldwin Jonathan Ryanto (#12) of Nanyang Junior College. Toh had a game-high 18 points in the victory. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Singapore Basketball Centre, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 — Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) grounded out a 59–57 victory over Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) in the final quarter to reserve a spot in the final of the National A Division Basketball Championship.
Toh Tze Cong (#8) scored a game-high 18 points for HCI, while Hammond Lek (#7) and Aldwin Jonathan Ryanto (#12) led NYJC with 15 and 14 points respectively.
It was a historic first semi-final appearance for NYJC, and they made HCI work hard to earn their spot in the final.
Darryl Lee (HCI #13) got the scoring going with the first basket at about three minutes into the game. NYJC caught up soon after to take over the lead at 13–11, before HCI regained their lead to close the first quarter at 16–15.
The second quarter saw a quick change in tide as NYJC broke through to lead 22–19 over HCI. Change in possession was fast with both sides gunning to score. Nonetheless, NYJC maintained their lead throughout the remainder of the second quarter. Kion Tan (NYJC #5) nimbly penetrated HCI’s defence to score the final basket, closing the second quarter with NYJC leading 30–24.
In the third quarter, HCI were initially down 31–38, but they managed to catch up and tie the score at 38–38. However, NYJC took back the lead to finish the third quarter with a lead of 43–38.
The last quarter saw the most intensive jostle for points. Aldwin (NYJC #12) even the score at 55–55 with two minutes left in the game. Lim Kai Ping (NYJC #9) then scored the next basket to put NYJC up 57–55.
However, HCI regained possession of the ball in the final minute, and two free throws from Darryl Lee (#13) secured HCI’s 59–57 victory.
With regard to the tough competition they faced from NYJC, Toh Tze Cong (HCI #8) said, “I think we did quite well. We stayed calm and stepped up our game and went all out to take back the lead.”
Tze Cong also expressed gratitude to his coach and the seniors for helping the team to bring their game up to secure the win.
HCI will face Raffles Institution (RI), who beat Anderson Junior College (AJC) in the other semi-final, in the final. The game will be played at 2.30 p.m. on May 19, at Jurong East Sports Hall.
NYJC and AJC will face off in the 3rd/4th playoff game, which will be played at 2.30 p.m. on May 15, at the Singapore Basketball Centre.
Scoring by quarter
HCI vs NYJC
1st Quarter: 16–15
2nd Quarter: 8–15 (24–30)
3rd Quarter: 14–13 (38–43)
4th Quarter: 21–14 (59–57)
Top Scorers
HCI
Toh Tze Cong (#8) – 18 points
NYJC
Hammond Lek (#7) – 15 points
Aldwin Jonathan Ryanto (#12) – 14 points
HCI Roster
Dylan Chua Yee Kiat (#5), Yeo Wen Jie (#6), Soon Wei Jun (#7), Toh Tze Cong (#8), Yap Teng Suan (#9), Loh Wan Yuan (#11), Shawn Ee Guan Aik (#12), Lee Yee Kai Darryl (#13), Tan Aik (#14), Fan Yiheng (#15)
NYJC Roster
Tristan Chow (#4), Kion Tan (#5), Kelvin Ng (#6), Hammond Lek (#7), Shawn Toh (#8), Lim Kai Ping (#9), Gladwin Neo (#10), Qiu Yi Wen (#11), Aldwin Jonathan Ryanto (#12), Billy Yap (#13), Al Khalifa Bin Mazlan (#14), Wong Zhen Xiang (#15)
National A Division Basketball Championship — fixtures and results
More photos next page
NYJC TOP 4 WHOOOOOOOOSH