This came true for us for today's game.
We started off pretty badly, having major lapses in defense which including the wings simple doing a backdoor cut over and over again for the easy two points. As we were much shorter compared to our opponent, our many attempts at scoring were denied by their imposing number 9 many times, who got 4 blocks alone in the first quarter. We did not run our plays properly and were too focused on doing our own things. It was always the little ill-discipline that messed up the plays, and it was no surprise we ended 7 points down.
The second quarter, one of our guards managed to capitalize on the widespread defense continuously split the zone by going middle. Though not all shots were converted, we managed to get a few easy offensive rebounds that we managed to put in. With more experienced players and more help side, we stopped the numerous backdoor cuts by their players and their baskets were low-percentage jumpers or fast break points. However, just like the previous, there was another wasted timeout which led to a fast break at the other end. We ended the first half 27-23.
The third quarter, we started to employ our zone press, but due to serious communication errors between our wings, we didn't manage to get our press going, and due to our last man not intercepting the incoming balls, that led to easy points at the other end. Fortunately, mark and chun cheong came through with some strong finishing and big shots respectively, including foul-ins and knocking down high post jumpers in the face of the defense. Yet, our defense was still leaking horribly, like our players defending behind the post players. Good news though, we got the lead by the buzzer up by 1.
It was a world of difference the next ten minutes.
We eventually fought back, going hard for defense and we foiled deyi's comeback using a half court 3-2 zone by simple passing to the open wing. Mark did a fantastic job of driving past the defense and finishing well, drawing fouls and converting most of his free throw shots. Eventually, our lead grew so big that we didn't even need to use the zone press anymore, and good defense sealed the game with us 16 points up.
Throughout the game, we were blocked many times by number 9, who were taller than us. Yet, we shouldn't be at all frustrated with that, instead, go for the ball when the defense least expects it and run the offense again. Doesn't matter how many times our shots get denied, it matters most what we do after we get blocked. Kudos to mark for his game-high 25 points, and his much improved shooting form, which allowed the net to swish everytime he took a shot, and Bao Kun for lasting throughout his 36 minutes on the court. Great effort everyone, now lets bring that momentum into Saturday's game.
MVPs:
(RI)
Mark Khoo
Bao Kun
(Deyi)
no. 11
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