Innova JC fire past Jurong to maintain perfect record in A Division basketball quarter-finals

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

Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday, May 8, 2009 - Innova Junior College became the only team to maintain a perfect 100 per cent record in the A Division boys basketball quarter-finals as they defeated Jurong Junior College 52-36.

Innova JC had already booked their place in the semi-finals on the back of two victories, including one against defending champions Hwa Chong Institution. However, this victory allowed them to clinch the top position in their group, and are now favourites to claim the Championship title.

The game started on a bright note for Innova JC as Walla Fyn (#14) won the tip-off and that allowed teammate Ong Wen Yong (#11) to break away with a fouled shot and a free throw. Soon after, Zhang Hanqing (JJC #12) used his body to good effect as his presence was felt in the paint. However, Innova JC sped through Jurong JC's defence and they led 16-5 by the end of the first quarter.

Jurong JC opened the scoring to start the second quarter as Au Jin Kai (JJC #5) got hold of a loose ball courtesy of a Dickson Chu (IJC #8) turnover. But Dickson (IJC #8) made up for his mistake and added two points in the next possession. Innova JC's lead increased to 14 points after Thong Jing Wei (#10) converted his second 3-pointer in the game.

With 5:10 left, the Jurong JC coach had to call for a time-out to prevent Innova JC from running away with the match after they scored 9 straight points. However, the break did not have any effect on the proceedings as Innova JC took a 20-point lead by the end of the second quarter at 34-14.

The third quarter was a tighter affair as only eight points were scored between the two sides. Both teams missed several clear chances and were forced into unnecessary turnovers.

Nevertheless, the fourth quarter witnessed Jurong JC making a run for it as they outscored Innova JC 20-12. But the 8-point advantage was not enough to cancel out Innova JC's huge lead as they fell short at the end. Lim Yong Keong (JJC #7) scored 8 points in the final quarter as he tried to spearhead his team’s offense. The late burst in the game allowed Jurong JC to cut the lead to 16 points as Innova JC hung on to win.

Dickson Chu (IJC #8) who contributed numerous assists and crucial points for IJC said, "I thought my performance was not very good, as I’m feeling a little fatigued. But it was a great team effort as we focused on man-to-man defense."

On the team's victory against Hwa Chong earlier, he said, "We worked really hard. But I think it was not Hwa Chong's best form when they played against us."

He added, "It was a big achievement (for IJC) and we will try our best to get to the final."

Innova will face Victoria Junior College in the semi-finals while Raffles Institution will take on defending champions Hwa Chong Institution, who thrashed Millennia Institute earlier.

Match statistics

Scores by quarter
1st Q: JJC 5 - IJC 16
2nd Q: JJC 9 - IJC 18
3rd Q: JJC 2 - IJC 6
4th Q: JJC 20 - IJC 12

Top scorer
JJC
Lim Yong Keong (#7) - 11 points

IJC
Thong Jing Wei (#10) - 9 points (all 3-pointers)
Dickson Chu (#8) - 8 points
Walla Fyn (#14) - 8 points