Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Koh Yizhe and Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

A Division Basketball Boys - HCI vs VJC

Hwa Chong Institution’s Jabez Su (#4) leaves a Victoria Junior College (VJC) defender in his wake as he drives to the basket. He scored a game-high 19 points to lead his side to their semi-final victory over VJC in the A Division Boys Basketball Championship. (Photo 1 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday May 14, 2010 – Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) will defend their A Division Boys’ Basketball Championship against Anderson Junior College (AJC) after both teams won their respective semi-finals.

The trio of Jabez Su (#4), Subhas Nair (#13), and Russel Low (#5) combined for 47 points as HCI overcame a slow start to thrash Victoria Junior College (VJC) 70-37 while on the adjacent court, AJC held off Raffles Institution (RI) 54-52 to qualify for the final.

Defending champions HCI did not have the best of starts in their semi-final match against VJC despite going on an 8-2 run to start the match. VJC soon caught up to within three points at 10-7 as HCI struggled to find their rhythm and they almost drew level when Bon Yi Cheng (VJC #14) got the hoop and harm 1:56 minutes left to play in the first.

He missed the free throw, however, allowing HCI to take a slim 14-11 lead into the second quarter. Captain Subhas Nair led HCI in the first, scoring eight points.

VJC came out strongly in the next period with Sean Hoo (VJC #10) nailing a trey to tie things up at 14-14. At the other end, HCI continued to struggle, making uncharacteristic and sloppy turnovers in attack. Although HCI were unable to score, VJC were having trouble putting points on the board as well.

It was only towards the end of the quarter that HCI finally sprang into life, racing to an 11-point lead with a couple of fast breaks led national youth team player Jabez Su (#4). After his failure to get on the score sheet in the first, his five points in the second quarter helped HCI take a 29-18 lead into the interval.

The second half was much easier for the defending champions as they extended their lead. Jabez continued his fine run, scoring 14 of his game-high 19 points in the second half while his partner-in-crime, Russel Low added another 10 points while dominating the paint.

By the end of the third quarter, HCI had accumulated a 48-29 lead. They then breezed through the fourth, claiming it 22-8 to finish the match 70-37 winners.

“Today’s match was a great fight,” said top scorer Jabez Su after the match. “At this point, all the teams are rather equal so it is down to who is more hungry for the win and today, I believe our whole team had more hunger. In the first quarter, we couldn’t find our momentum but after that, we got settled and managed to pull away.”

“Hopefully everybody can perform in the final and give 100%. We will definitely be looking to retain the title,” added Jabez.

They will play against Anderson Junior College (AJC) in a repeat of the second round match where HCI emerged 83-38 winners. AJC edged out Raffles Institution (RI) in a tight match that went down to the wire. Towards the end, AJC were able to take a four point lead at 49-45 with Eric Lin (#6) and Teo Yu Jian (#8) hitting RI on the fast break.

Although AJC centre Ang Wei Xian (#15) hurt his jaw and played no further part in the match, AJC were able to hang on, showing nerves of steel to nail their free throws in the closing moments. Jervin Lim (RI #14) made a last-ditch effort at a three-pointer from half-court, but it bounced off the rim to send AJC through to the final.

The final will be played at Yishun Sports Hall, Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 1500 hours.

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