Story by Zachary Foo/Red Sports

Mark Khoo (RI #9) attempts a lay-up while Rymond Neo (PJC #5) tries to stop him. (Photo 1 © Zachary Foo/Red Sports)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Monday, May 12, 2014 — Raffles Institution (RI) rode a hot-shooting first quarter to beat Pioneer Junior College (PJC) 48–40 in the second round of the National A Division Boys Basketball Championship.

Phi Yao (RI #8) led all scorers with 15 points, while Chua Cheng Wei (PJC #9) paced his team with 14 points.

With the win, RI qualify for the semi-final with a spotless 3–0 win-loss record, while PJC takes the second semi-final spot with a 2–1 win-loss record.

RI came out hot in the first quarter, as they nailed almost all of their three-point attempts. They were able to get open looks thanks to good ball movement by their players. Phi Yao (RI #8), in particular, was dialed in, as he made three three-pointers in the quarter. He would go on to make another two in the second quarter as well. The hot shooting allowed RI to build a 17-point lead at the end of the first period.

After a shaky start, PJC stormed back in the second quarter. Cherwin Lim (PJC #8) was a consistent threat on the boards, keeping possessions alive for his team. They were able to trim the deficit to 10 points by the end of the period.

The third quarter was a slow one for both teams. RI managed to regain some momentum and extend the lead to 14. However, PJC never faltered and always looked like they would threaten to come back.

This came into fruition in the final quarter for PJC, as hot shooting by Chua Cheng Wei (PJC #9) gave PJC some semblance of hope. They were also aggressive on defence, forcing RI turnovers. However, Zhuang Baokun (RI #6) had other plans and a lay-up from him kept RI’s lead in double digits. Eventually, time ran out and RI came away with the 48–40 win. RI will face Anderson Junior College in the semi-final on Wednesday, May 14 at 1.30pm at the Singapore Basketball Centre.

RI captain, Zhuang Baokun (#6), said, “It just feels good as we all worked hard for this. We are not a physically gifted team, but our hard work got us to where we are today. We started well because we were mentally prepared and composed. AJC is a tough opponent with a lot of experienced players. We will bring the game to them and play with sheer intensity.”

Scoring by Quarter
Raffles Institution vs Pioneer Junior College
1st Quarter: 21–4
2nd Quarter: 9–16 (30–20)
3rd Quarter: 12–8 (42–28)
4th Quarter: 6–12 (48–40)

Top Scorers
RI
Phi Yao (#8) – 15 points (5 x 3-pointers)

PJC
Chua Cheng Wei (#9) – 14 points

RI Roster
Chan Chun Cheong (#4), Khoo Jae En Kevin (#5), Zhuang Baokun (#6), Lim Mingjun (#7), Phi Yao (#8), Khoo Junn Wei Mark (#9), Joel Ong Wai Him (#10), Ernest Chng Yong Cheng (#11), John Zhang Jiong Yang (#12), Muhammad Zaki B Ghazali A T (#13), Deng Fang Shuo (#14), Teo Jun Yang Felix (#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)

National A Division Boys Basketball Championship — Fixtures and Results

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