Raffles Institution hold off Queensway Secondary to win B Division Boys South Zone basketball semi-final

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

CCAB, Monday, March 2, 2009 - Raffles Institution held off a stubborn Queensway Secondary to win 74-67 in their B Division Boys South Zone Basketball Championship semi-final.

It proved to be an exciting match with Raffles having a good start and leading Queensway 23-18 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Queensway make a comeback, trading the lead with Raffles several times as supporters from both teams cheered them on continuously. Queensway dominated the paint in this quarter to put points on the scoreboard. Raffles had to contend with playing second fiddle, and finished with only 12 points to 15 for Queensway to keep a slim two-point 35-33 at half-time.

During the third quarter, the Queensway coach was the calmer of the two, as he reminded his players not to commit unnecessary fouls. Raffles' coach was quite animated, getting tremendously excited when things were going his team's way. Queensway stepped up their pressure and scored several baskets to steal the lead from Raffles and led 53-50 with just 34 seconds left on the clock.

The Raffles #14 then drew a foul to earn two free throws but he unfortunately missed both, forcing the Raffles' coach to call for a timeout at this critical moment with just three points separating the teams. Upon resumption, Queensway grabbed possession, and Johann Yeo (Queensway, #12) went for the shot to extend his team's lead.

It was an agonizing few moments as the ball bounced off the rim and the Queensway players fought for several rebounds and made shot attempts but none went in. Raffles took the opportunity to steal the ball, and with five seconds left, Chua Wei Xuan (Raffles, #7) let loose a three-pointer to level the score at 53-53 just at the end of the quarter.

The stage was now set for a mouth-watering last quarter. Queensway took the lead with two points from their #15 and held it while Raffles had to play catch up. With 4 minutes 22 seconds left on the clock, the Raffles #10 fired a long-range shot to bring his team to within one point of Queensway at 62-63. Moments later, another Raffles player sunk a shot to snatch the lead back from Queensway.

Johann Yeo (Queensway, #12) drew a foul to earn two free throws, but he missed both, much to the disappointment of the Queensway supporters. However, Queensway managed to grab the rebound and converted to retake the lead at 65-64.

Tensions were high, and Queensway anxiety saw them become overly aggressive and uncoordinated in their shots. Raffles capitalized on this situation and drew several fouls from Queensway. Queensway fouled Raffles three consecutive times to give them opportunities to widen the gap. Raffles promptly converted three of their free throws to lead 71-67. Queensway became increasingly desperate, and the coach looked very exasperated at his team’s fouls.

With just 20 seconds left on the clock, Gregory Lawrence (Raffles, #5) sealed Queensway's fate as he put in a layup to bring the final score to 74-67.

Raffles will now face Catholic High in the South Zone Championship Final at Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall on Tuesday, March 10th, 2.30pm.

Queensway on the other hand will play Peirce Secondary in the 3/4th placing match at CCAB on Wednesday, March 4th, 2.30pm.

Top scorers:
Raffles #10 – 23 points
Jia Jun (Quensway, #10) – 21 points
Johann Yeo (Queensway, #12) – 17 points

See highlights of final minutes of the game:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeZNi4H_W_M

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Thanks!