Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday, February 25, 2011 – Do you believe in miracles? After losing their first 2 matches to Woodgrove Sec (WGS) [39-33] and Yishun Town Sec (YTS) [47-37] in the second round of the Championships; Deyi Sec had only one way to secure a semi-final spot: A 19-point victory over Naval Base Sec and for WGS to beat YTS.
A tall order as Naval Base Sec (NBS) under the leadership of coach Edmund has been moulded into a tight defensive unit with great physique and determination. NBS is expected to come out fighting; victory over Deyi Sec (DYS) will ensure them qualification into the Semi Finals as they had already beaten YTS [24-26]. Both teams needed the win desperately.
The first quarter ended with DYS taking a one-point lead (NBS 8 – 9 Deyi). Deyi’s defence was having problems shackling NBS’ Point Guard #05. DYS managed to widened their lead to 5 points at the end of the first half (NBS 14 – 19 Deyi), however Deyi’s Vice-Captain Lim Li Xin (#6) was having foul trouble with 4 personal foul. In a concurrent match, YTS has taken a 2 point lead over WGS at one stage in a head-to-head match. Things look real bleak for Deyi Sec.
Deyi Sec’s determination to qualify for the Semi Finals showed in the 3rd quarter as they pushed forward, with two 3-pointers to lift the team to an 11-point lead. This momentum carried on into the 4th quarter, with Koh Ching Wen (#5) adding 9 points with three 3-pointers. DYS Winnchis Yap #15 was also working hard, contributing with multiple defensive and offensive rebounds. Against the odds, Deyi edged a 27 point victory over Naval Base (NBS 26 – 53 Deyi)! However it wasn’t over yet as Deyi has to endure a nail biting 2 minutes before WGS cemented their victory with a 47 – 41 victory over YTS.
Despite the defeat, NBS proved themselves to be the team to watch for 2012 and they can be proud of their overall performance in the qualifying campaign.
How will this fairy tale end? DYS’ journey in the tournament continues in the Semi Finals.
