Story by Zachary Foo/Red Sports. Photos by Laura Lee/Red Sports.
Ashley Ng (SAJC #5) pushes his way past Neo Rymond (PJC #5) to go to the hoop. (Photo 1 © Laura Lee/Red Sports)
Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday, May 9, 2014 — Pioneer Junior College (PJC) put a masterful display on the boards to defeat St. Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) 41–31 in the National A Division Boys Basketball Championship.
Brandon Ong (PJC #10) led all scorers with 16 points, while Robin Alviedo (SAJC #8) had 10 points in a losing effort.
PJC are now joint-top of Group P along with Raffles Institution with a 2–0 win–loss record. Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals.
The first quarter was a close affair between both teams. PJC had a size advantage down low, which they exploited at every opportunity. Rymond Neo (PJC #5) and Brandon Ong (PJC #10) outrebounded the SAJC centers. However, they were unable to convert on the offensive end. This allowed SAJC to trail by only three points.
PJC used a 1-3-1 trap defence in the second quarter, goading SAJC into driving into the paint. This worked well at first, as Rymond (PJC #5) was able to deter any player from scoring once they reached the rim. However, Robin Alviedo (SAJC #8) scored four straight points towards the end of the quarter to make it 12–16 and keep SAJC in the game.
The size disparity became evident in the third quarter. SAJC rotated between Wu Shao Yang (SAJC #6), Sergul Toh (SAJC #15) and Wen Mingliang (SAJC #13) in a bid to give PJC different looks. This did not work at all, as the players were consistently boxed out by Brandon Ong (PJC #10) and Mohamad Nazri (PJC #15) despite having the height advantage. This allowed PJC to open up an 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
SAJC seemed more lively with the introduction of Safkit Khan (SAJC #14) into the game. Even though they were able to finally beat PJC in the quarter 14–13, it was all but too late for the team. PJC secured the game 41–31, putting them into their second straight semi-final appearance.
PJC captain, Yeo Eng Heng (#6), said, “It was a good win for us, as we had to prove our doubters. We are very happy with the win. The match against Raffles Institution will be tough as they are a very disciplined team. We will try our best to go as far as possible as we have already achieved our goal of top four.”
Scoring by Quarter
St. Andrew’s Junior College vs Pioneer Junior College
1st Quarter: 5–8
2nd Quarter: 7–8 (12–16)
3rd Quarter: 5–12 (17–28)
4th Quarter: 14–13 (31–41)
Top Scorers
SAJC
Robin Alviedo (#8) – 10 points
PJC
Ong Jin Jie Brandon (#10) – 16 points
SAJC Roster
Pai Jun Yu Kentley (#4), Ng Ming Xiang Ashley (#5), Wu Shao Yang (#6), Koh Yong Zhi (#7), Alviedo Dionne Robin Menez (#8), Huang Yida (#9), Long Wei Kai Wayne (#10), Lim Zheng Xuan (#11), Chang Weng Kong (#12), Wen Mingliang (#13), Safkit Ullah Khan (#14), Toh Xuan Hao Sergul (#15).
PJC Roster
Paul Tan Pei Yang (#4), Neo Rymond (#5), Yeo Eng Heng (#6), Tan Jian Yong (#7), Lim Tian Wei Cherwin (#8), Chua Cheng Wei (#9), Ong Jin Jie Brandon (#10), Lim Jin Kai (#11), Darius Chan Rong Rui (#12), Eugene Low Ya Ming (#13), Mun Wai Kin (#14), Mohamad Nazri Bin Mohamad Rashed (#15)
A Division Boys Basketball Championship — Fixtures and Results
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