Story by Icko de Guzman/ABL

Slinger Wong Wei Long is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the game-winning buzzer beater against the Dragons. (Photo by Kuk Thew/courtesy of ABL)

Slinger Wong Wei Long is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the game-winning buzzer beater against the Dragons. (Photo by Kuk Thew/courtesy of ABL)

OCBC Arena, Sunday, March 20, 2016 — With one gutsy shot, the Singapore Slingers extended their season, sent this series back to Malaysia, and set up one of the greatest game finishes in ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Finals history.

Behind the heroics of two time ABL MVP Wong Wei Long, the Singapore Slingers refused to give up the ABL championship on their homecourt, as they defeated the Malaysia Dragons, 75-73.

By virtue of the victory, the series shifts back to Kuala Lumpur for a deciding Game 5.

Wong was the story of the fourth quarter, as the veteran saved his best for what could have been the final quarter of the Slingers’ season. He poured in all eight of his points in the fourth quarter, which came in the form of two booming triples and a long jumper at the buzzer. That last shot led to him being mobbed by his teammates on the floor as the crowd celebrated in the stands.

Game 4 was a heavyweight battle, with both teams absolutely leaving it all on the court. In the 4th quarter, Calvin Godfrey was caught in a loose ball battle, and when the call went his way he lay on the floor in absolute exhaustion. Both squads had played two games in three days, and the physical toll was evident as the game entered into the crucial stages of the fourth quarter. The imports cancelled each other out: Justin Howard bounced back from a miserable Game 3 performance with a game high 31 points and 13 rebounds. Calvin Godfrey countered with a 25 point, 15 rebound, and six block performance.

The Dragons had their chances, but Matthew Wright and Reggie Johnson missed some heartbreaking shots in the final two minutes that could have given the Dragons the lead or tie the game. It was truly a battle of wills, as both sides were visibly exhausted and throwing up shots they hoped would fall in.

In the end though, the Slingers had just enough to send this to a Game Five. The MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur will definitely be rocking, as the Dragons look to win the champion on their home floor. Game 5 is scheduled for 2:30pm in what will definitely be a classic encounter.

The Slingers stood together at center court of the OBC Arena. Beads of sweat pouring down their face, hunched over in exhaustion, arms hanging on each other for support. Yet their faces showed not one tinge of regret nor disappointment. All they could feel was relief, happiness and joy.

One last time they stood together on home soil, defiant against the odds.

Now, it’s the Dragons’ turn to respond in a more comfortable territory.