Jurong West Sports Hall, Monday, April 13, 2009 – Catholic High clawed their way back from a massive 22-point second quarter deficit to edge out New Town Sec 72-71 in an exciting National B Division basketball Championship Group Y game.

New Town’s Shi Hao (#8) attempted a turnaround 3-point effort with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, but failed to connect. He did well for the game though, scoring 15 points including a crucial 3-pointer in the final quarter.

As usual, New Town’s captain Lor Weng Siang (#9) was pulling all the strings for his team throughout the game. Displaying both an astute understanding as well as a great shooting touch, he propelled his team to a massive 25-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. Teammate Hubert (#12) was also scoring from the 3-point line to contribute towards his team’s lead.

Catholic High’s blues seem to continue from their previous loss when they fell behind as much as 13-35 midway through the second quarter. The Catholic High forwards were missing their shooting opportunities while failing to stop the New Town offence.

Yet with their bench encouraging them on, the South Zone champions then went on a 16-2 run to close the gap to 29-37 at the half. Particularly demoralising for the New Town team was Catholic High forward Wong Kam Seng (#11) downing a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Kam Seng continued where he left off in the first half with a flawless defensive display against Weng Siang. He also contributed two long range baskets while teammate Chong Ming Xuan (#14) powered his way into the New Town defence for 11 of his 21 points in the third quarter. Catholic High ended that period with a 50-45 lead.

It was a see saw battle in the fourth. New Town refused to fold despite immense pressure and hung around the defending champions with some gritty play. Shi Hao in particular scored seven straight points and Weng Siang added another 8 points to finally edge his team in front 71-70 with one minute left on the clock.

However, a put back by Ming Xuan off a miss by Catholic High forward Jabez Su put Catholic High back into the lead 72-71. It stayed that way although New Town had a final chance at the end.

Catholic High may have gained the advantage for now but there is still everything to play for in the upcoming games in group Y. Presbyterian High, who won their match comfortably 56-38 against Queensway Sec will be relishing a match up against Catholic High this coming wednesday in a battle of the North and South zone champions!

Scoring by Quarters:
1st Quarter: New Town Sec 25 Catholic High 9
2nd Quarter: New Town Sec 12 Catholic High 20
3rd Quarter: New Town Sec 8 Catholic High 21
4th Quarter: New Town Sec 26 Catholic High 22

Top Scorers for the game:
Wong Kam Seng (#11, Catholic High) – 24 points
Lor Weng Siang (#9, New Town Sec) – 23 points
Chong Ming Xuan (#14, Catholic High) – 21 points

See first quarter highlights
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDgRVkdmxio

See fourth quarter highlights
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0qBGMOxUL8