Dunman Sec hold off Woodlands Ring to grab group top spot in C Division basketball

Story and photo by Mr Ian Chew/Red Sports.

Dunman Sec’s point guard #8 was arguably the game’s best performer. His steady ball control and good ball distribution resulted in his team coming away with a hard-fought 52-41 victory. (Photo 1 © Ian Chew/Red Sports)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday, August 5, 2008 – This time, it seemed a step too far.

Woodlands Ring just could not find the energy to repeat their remarkable fourth quarter comeback against Hwa Chong Institution last Friday. Instead, Dunman Sec’s playmaker Zonghan (#8) and Markus (#14) starred with 13 points and 12 points respectively to lead their team to an inspired 52-41 victory.

Afterwards, I found out that three of Woodlands Ring’s players were actually recovering from bouts of flu, which probably accounted for their lethargic performances. But that is not to take away anything from a deserved Dunman Sec victory.

With this win, Dunman Sec looked to have bounced back from their heavy defeat to Anglican High in the East Zone final and set themselves up nicely for the second round draw to be held on Thursday, 7 August.

Both teams though, started the game somewhat nervously, perhaps knowing the high stakes involved. Uncharacteristic errors marked the first quarter play by both sides which ended with Woodlands Ring in a slim, soccer-like 4-3 lead.

Woodlands Ring managed to keep their one-point lead going into the half-time break with the score at 16-15.

In the pivotal third quarter, Woodlands Ring’s Alric (#10) may have scored all his team’s seven points, but Dunman Sec used a 14-7 third quarter run to open up a 29-23 gap.

Try as hard as they could in the last quarter, Woodlands Ring just could not repeat their game heroics against Hwa Chong. Seems like this time a wary Dunman Sec were well-prepared for their opponent’s famed late surges!

Notes:… Despite the loss, Woodlands Ring can take comfort that their result against Hwa Chong Institution will stand. This means that Woodlands Ring can proceed to the next round as the second-placed team in group A.

Despite trailing in the fourth quarter, Woodlands Ring never gave up the fight! Here Woodlands Ring’s Alric drove in for 2 of his 21 points. (Photo 2 © Ian Chew/Red Sports)

Another unlikely hero for Dunman Sec was reserve point guard Jun Rong (#5). His two consecutive late baskets sealed the win for his team. (Photo 3 © Ian Chew/Red Sports)