By Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Fang Cie (Unity, #5) makes a layup. He was top scorer with 18 points. (Photo 1 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Jurong West Sports Complex, Wednesday, April 1, 2009 – Unity Secondary continued their wonderful start to the Boys B Division Basketball Championship with a comfortable victory 62-48 over Maris Stella High School in Group C.

Although Maris Stella were able to keep pace with the West Zone runner-up in the first, they were unable to break through Unity's defense in the second and third quarter. An attempted come-back in the fourth wasn't successful and even a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Shervin Lim wasn't enough to overtake Unity.

The early goings were played at blistering pace as both teams pushed for an early lead. Fang Cie (Unity, #5) got the game going for his side with a jumper in the first. He made his mark for Unity, scoring many of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter.

Not to be out-done, Maris Stella fought back with twins Shervin (#11) and Jervin Lim (#10) making their presence felt, resulting in both teams trading points.

However, Unity got the better of the first quarter as they took a slim 14-11 into the second.

Unity came out fighting in the second. They extended their lead with a series of three-pointers throughout the quarter with #10 scoring at the seven minute mark, followed by one from #8 that gave Unity a 24-13 lead. Their defense was also a crucial part of Unity's success as they prevented Maris Stella's attack from scoring, limiting them to just seven points in the second.

It was clear that the game was slipping away from Maris Stella with their opponents taking a 13-point lead into half-time at 31-18.

Much of the same followed in the third as Maris Stella found it hard to break out of their own half. David Soo (Unity, #15) was excellent under the basket with his great offensive rebounding. Fang Cie (Unity, #5) also exploded in the third with his powerful drives to the basket, giving his side a 49-26 lead to bring into the final quarter.

Although down 23 points, Maris Stella continued fighting in the fourth and they were rewarded as they out-scored Unity 22-13. It was, however, too late as the deficit was too great. It didn't help that David Soo also maintained his authority under the basket as he grabbed many crucial rebounds.

Shervin Lim made a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end, but his efforts could only reduce Unity's advantage.

With the win, Unity have qualified for the second round of the National B Division Basketball Championship. They will next play defending champions Catholic High School who beat Manjusri Secondary 71-43 for the top spot in Group C.

Quarter by Quarter scores
1st Q: Unity Secondary 14 Maris Stella High School 11
2nd Q: Unity Secondary 17 Maris Stella High School 7
3rd Q: Unity Secondary 18 Maris Stella High School 8
4th Q: Unity Secondary 13 Maris Stella High School 22

Top Scorers:
Fang Cie (Unity, #5) – 18 points
Jervin Lim (Maris Stella, #10) – 12 points
Jonus Tok (Maris Stella, #12) – 11 points

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Jervin Lim (Maris Stella, #10) finding it hard to break through Unity’s defense. (Photo 2 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

“Where is the ball?” Eyes look everywhere for the ball. (Photo 3 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

“Keep your hands up!” Coach Foo Kwang Hock telling his players to raise their hands. (Photo 4 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Maris Stella #4 stretches to make a shot. (Photo 5 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Shervin Lim (Maris Stella, #11) attempts to make a layup. (Photo 6 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

David Soo (Unity, #15) was a key player with his powerful drives. (Photo 7 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Unity #7 attempts to turn a defender. (Photo 8 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

A Unity defender misses his block. (Photo 9 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Unity #10 gets the ball knock out of his hands by Jervin Lim (Maris Stella, #10). (Photo 10 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

David Soo (Unity, #15) is blocked as he tries to make a layup. (Photo 11 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Maris Stella’s #4 bends low to let Fang Cie (Unity, #5) block before making a layup. (Photo 13 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Unity vs Maris Stella High School B Division Basketball Championship 2009

Samuel Yeo (Maris Stella, #7) driving to the basket. (Photo 14 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

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