Raffles 47 – 29 Fast Break Club

(posted by mark)

Starting the game with the full court press, we were determined to show what we had practiced during training. At the start, our opponents were unprepared for it, and turned the ball over, allowing us to have a 10-0 run. The opponents called a time-out, with a clear intention to break our press. They placed one man in the centre of the court. Our front men were unable to get to the opponents centre man in time to prevent the pass. This was because they were too near the baseline, and were not fast enough to reach the centre man. They were probably too excited to intercept the ball after scoring so many. After the pass to the front man, it was a simple fast break play followed by 2 points.

Naturally, we push back the press and stop the middle pass. The opponents were then force to dribble down the sideline of the court. However, miscommunication and lack of practice made us unable to trap them were we wanted to, and the opponents could still dribble the ball all the way pass the half court line.

In the third and fourth quarter, our points did not come from the press, but rather from set plays and 3 pointers. Nevertheless, we still managed to outscore the opponents. At the start of the last quarter, one of our post players drew his fourth foul. He was send to the bench. With 5 minutes remaining, coach sent him back to the game reminding him not to foul. Still, within a minute, due to a bad screen, the referee called him for moving screen, and he was forced back to the bench.

Coach has reminded the starting players not to foul. If possible, play safe and not get a single foul. Suppose the referee might be a little biased and call foul for even the slightest mistake, we should act smart and not give the ref a chance. In this game, the opponents had a 13 point deficit, making a comeback tough. However, suppose it was only say 5 points, without a key player, it will make the opponent's job a lot easier.

Also, to the new sec 1s, welcome to the team! Hope you got something out of your first game as a RI bballer! Do try to remember all the plays we have, like the presses which we did during this match.

Congratz to the B div for their amazing comeback during their match! ( B'div played with the seniors of that club)

Scoring by quarters:

1st Quarter –FastBreak 6 RI 15
2nd Quarter -- FastBreak 10 RI 13
3rd Quarter -- FastBreak 8 RI 9
4th Quarter -- FastBreak 5 RI 10