Story contributed by anonymous reader

CCAB, Monday, June 16, 2008 – Catholic High beat Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 64-55 this afternoon in a thrilling U-14 T-Net Cup game that went into overtime.

The stakes before this quarter-final game were high – the losing team would be eliminated. The way both teams started the game demonstrated their determination to clinch a place in the top six of the T-Net Cup.

HCI started the game quick and steady to lead throughout three quarters, stunning the Catholic High team with their aggressive play. HCI Centres #6, #14 and #15 dominated the boards with their magical shooting, scoring most of the time despite close attention from the Catholic High defenders and their tight men-to-men defence followed by a 2-3 one in the third quarter. HCI #3 also impressed with his ability to drive in and shoot from outside the paint. With Catholic High exhibiting sloppy play by committing turnovers, HCI were looking strong for the win.

However, things changed in the fourth quarter, with Catholic High putting on impressive plays. Catholic High’s Leong Wei Hao (#4) and Yim Yi Xiang (#8) intelligently drew fouls from the HCI to gain free throws, allowing them to claw their way back steadily into the game.

With less than one minute on the clock, Catholic High centre Dillon Low (#15) got fouled and went to the free throw line with the score at 49-49. With the immense pressure on his shoulders, he missed both shots and the chance to win the game in regulation time, causing the Catholic High coach to erupt in frustration.

If there were any thoughts that CH would not score in the five minutes of overtime, it was quickly banished at the start. Catholic High centre Justin Lee (#14) started the OT with a blazing three-pointer. Adding on the pressure was the Catholic High point guard Yi Xiang who drove in numerous times, earning fouls and making successful three-point plays.

HCI replied by scoring six points. The HCI #10 scored a three-pointer but missed the rare chance for a four-point play as he missed the subsequent free throw.

Catholic High forward Mathew Ang (#13) got fouled out and had to be replaced by Dillon (#15). Showing a change of attitude, he pulled down numerous rebounds and assisted his shooting guard Yi Xiang to score. This seemed to deflate the HCI team as they never recovered from the setback and eventually went down 55-64.

Catholic High will next face long-time rivals Raffles Institution on Tuesday June 17 at CCAB. Tip-off time is 12.15pm.