Picture story by REDintern Tan Jon Han

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Zhang Hao (NTU #14) congratulating teammate Quanju (#23) after scoring on a break. NTU defeated ITE 77-64 to move on to the semi-finals. (Photo 1 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

NTU, Thursday, January 14, 2010 – The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) beat the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) 77-64 to march into the semi-finals of the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Basketball Championship.

ITE had come into this game with a 2-1 win-loss record and needed to win this game to ensure a semi-final place.

With this win, NTU finished their Group A games with a 3-1 win-loss record, their sole loss a 54-50 defeat at the hands of Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) who finished top of the group.

NTU will now face Group B winners Temasek Polytechnic (TP) in the semi-finals while NP will face Singapore Polytechnic (SP) in the other.

The semi-final matches are scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, at the NTU Sports and Recreation Centre.

N.B. For all fixtures and results, please go to the SCHOOLS FIXTURES & RESULTS page.

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Ronnie (NTU #10) trying to get around ITE’s defense. (Photo 2 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

The defense of NTU was tight and well-organized, leaving little space for Wei Yao (ITE #12) to attempt a shot. (Photo 3 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Ronnie (NTU #10) going for the layup while Kun You (ITE #13) defends. (Photo 4 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Teo Chun Hoe (NTU #31) using his height advantage to advance past Tan Chin Hong (ITE #11) for another two points. (Photo 5 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

ITE’s #14 keeping the ball from Chun Hoe (NTU #31) as he attempts a layup. (Photo 6 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

NTU players keeping a close watch on ITE’s hot-hand Lim Fang Ching (#10), restricting his opportunities to shoot. (Photo 7 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

The pressure could be felt in the last quarter as both teams fought for their place in the semi-finals. (Photo 8 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Lim Fang Ching (ITE #10) taking a breather after being knocked down hard. (Photo 9 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Together with his teammates, ITE’s #8 launched a late comeback attempt which cut NTU’s lead to 6 points at one point in the last quarter. (Photo 10 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

IVP 2010 Basketball NTU vs ITE

Nonetheless, NTU fought off ITE to take the match. (Photo 11 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

N.B. If you recognise the players in the pictures, please let us know their names in the comments section and we’ll update the captions. Thanks.