Innova JC defeat defending champions Hwa Chong Institution in A Division basketball quarter-finals

Story by REDintern Alan Chiang, Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

Singapore Basketball Centre, Monday, May 4, 2009 - Innova Junior College upset defending champions Hwa Chong Institution 43-42 in the first match of the boys’ A Division Basketball Championship quarter-finals.

Three-time defending A Division champions, Hwa Chong Institution succumbed to their first loss after they made numerous turnovers and failed to make countless clear-cut chances in front of the basket. On top of that, Hong Yao (HCI #9)'s 20-point game was not enough to stop Innova JC from claiming an unexpected victory.

Hwa Chong began the match brilliantly but it was Innova who stepped up a gear after some good plays on the court. Just minutes into the game, Dickson (IJC #8) led his team into a 4-point lead at 7-3.

As the first quarter came to an end, Hwa Chong players Zhou Kai (#7), Wei Leong (#8) and Hock Sing (#14) were involved in foul trouble and had to sit down. It was up to Ching Poh (HCI #13) to make up for their absence and he managed to cut Innova JC's lead to one point at the end of the quarter to 13-12.

Innova continued their strong run in the second quarter. Their slick and swift movement in both offense and defense made the game almost impossible for Hwa Chong to handle. Dickson (IJC #8) and Fyn (IJC #14) combined well in the paint to take their lead to four points. Fyn (IJC #14) had a good turnout in the second quarter with an 8-point contribution, even though he picked up his third personal foul. Innova led at 23-20 at half time.

Seconds after the restart, Fyn (IJC #14) got into foul trouble as he collected his fourth foul and had to stay on the bench the rest of the quarter. But his teammates was equaled to the job as Jing Wei (IJC #10) converted the first 3-pointer of the game to increase their lead to six points. Hong Yao (HCI #9) answered immediately as he danced his way to the basket to reduce the deficit to four points.

His lone effort, however, was not enough to withstand Innova's good passing game. Jing Wei (IJC #10) was allowed to break free for a good-looking 3-pointer and extended the lead to eight points.

Zhun Sen (IJC #15), replacing Fyn (IJC #14) in the centre position, also got into foul trouble as he picked up his fourth foul with 3:49 to play. Hwa Chong took advantage of the absence of both Innova's physical centres and managed to cut the lead down to two points at 33-31 by the end of third quarter.

Hwa Chong then sped off at the start of the fourth quarter with quick points from Hong Yao (HCI #9). They managed to take over the lead after Hock Sing (HCI #14) converted an under-basket shot. As the game progressed in Hwa Chong's favour, the Innova JC coach called for a time-out with 1:03 left on the clock.

The Innova players answered her calls with points from Dickson (IJC #8) and (IJC #10) to re-capture a three-point lead. Soon after, Innova's lead increased to six points after (IJC #10) drained a big 3-pointer. Hong Yao (HCI #9) reduce the lead to four points after a magnificent solo effort with a reverse lay-up to the basket.

With 50 seconds left, Innova's lead decreased to a single point after Hong Yao (HCI #9) and Hock Sing (HCI #14) added to the score board. However, Innova managed to hold on to their slender lead to ensure their first triumph as Hong Yao (HCI #9)'s last attempt just missed the basket.

In the other match-up, Jurong Junior College blasted Millennia Institute 61-33 in a one-sided affair right from the start.

Starting line-up
HCI: Wei Leong (#8), Hong Yao (#9), Chester Leow (#11), Ching Poh (#13), Hock Seng (#14)
IJC: Joel (#7), Dickson (#8), Jing Wei (#10), Wen Yong (#11), Fyn (#14)

Scores by quarter
1st Q: HCI 12 IJC 13
2nd Q: HCI 8 IJC 10
3rd Q: HCI 11 IJC 10
4th Q: HCI 11 IJC 10

Top scorers
HCI
Hong Yao (#9) - 20 points
Ching Poh (#13) - 8 points

IJC
Jing Wei (#10) - 15 points
Dickson (#8) - 10 points