BASKETBALL

National ‘A’ Division Boys First Round
Hwa Chong Institution vs Innova Junior College
Friday, 4 May 2007 at Singapore Basketball Centre

The following post-game report and pictures have been contributed by a reader known as Xuan. Thanks, Xuan!

HCI and IJC boys run in for the rebound.  © Xuan

In National ‘A’ Division basketball action this week, Hwa Chong Institution beat Innova Junior College 66-41 in a showdown of unbeaten teams.

The two teams fought fiercely through their first qualifying matches, securing places amongst the top 8 teams in the ‘A ‘Division. A victory for both teams was not necessary since both scored two consecutive wins in their previous qualifying matches, but the face-off between two undefeated teams was much anticipated.

IJC defender tackles with a tall problem – HCI’s Lim Shengyu (no.13).  © Xuan

Hot favourite HCI were commanding the game throughout but IJC were determined to fight back, closing the gap to 12 points in the third quarter. However, anxiety got the better of team IJC, resulting in them losing by more than 20 points at the end of the fourth quarter.

The intensity in defense of both teams was clear, but IJC found it more difficult to penetrate HCI’s defense, leading to their ultimate defeat. Their efforts to catch up proved in vain as the battle ended with HCI’s victory.

IJC’s Kah Kiat (no.5) spots his teammate Yisheng (no.7) cutting in the lane and attempts to make a pass.  © Xuan

Both no.13s go after a loose ball.  © Xuan

HCI’s Calvin (no.4) guards IJC’s Kah Kiat (no.5).  © Xuan

An HCI and IJC player fight for a loose ball.  © Xuan

IJC’s player goes on a lay-up.  © Xuan

IJC’s no.12  sneaks into the paint.  © Xuan

Editor’s note:  If you do recognize yourselves or your friends in the pictures, leave us a note in the ‘Comments’ section and we’ll update accordingly.