RI 46 - 48 Dunman Sec

This was the final chance for us to qualify for the semi-finals. To achieve that, we had to win by more than 10 points. Even though some might have thought that it was a seemingly impossible task, we were confident of achieving it.

Despite having our starting power forward out for the game due to an injured shoulder, our bench stepped up their game and contributed significantly. Our objective for the game was to get the defensive rebounds while preventing the opponents from getting the offensive rebounds, and to run as many fast breaks as possible. Although we were down by 9 points at the end of the first quarter, our spirits were not dampened. We continued to fight, and executed a full court press on them, which proved rather successful.

However, the turning point came at the start of the fourth quarter. At around the 7 minutes mark of that quarter, we hit two consecutive 3 pointers, cutting the lead to 4. This was followed by a well contested mid range jumper which still managed to fall and a foul and 1 under-basket shot. Then, the score was tied 46-46. The opponents had a chance to take the lead but we played excellent half court defense, forcing their forward to take a tough mid range jumper which did not fall. After getting the rebound, our point guard attempted a fast break and got fouled in the process, hence getting to shoot 2 free throws to take the lead, and perhaps the game too.

However, during the time out, the team agreed in unison that we were not contented to just get the win. We wanted to win by ten and move on to the semi finals. In order to do that, we had to force an overtime. Therefore, with 7.8 seconds left on the clock, he intentionally missed the two free throws. Unfortunately, we did not secure the rebound, and allowed a fast break by the opponents. Left without any other choices, we fouled him and prayed that he would miss both the free throws. To our utmost dismay, he made both. Left with 2.4 seconds, there was little that we could do other than to try our luck on a full court shot. It did not fall, and we loss the game 48 to 46.

Despite the lost, our fighting spirit remain high. Given the chance to take the game, we chose not to because we were not satisfied with a win. Perhaps some might consider this as a silly move on our part. However to me, this was the best decision the team has made for the season.

Scoring by quarter:

1st Quarter--RI 7 DS 16

2nd Quarter--RI 11 DS 12

3rd Quarter--RI 10 DS 13

4th Quarter--RI 18 DS 7

RI 'B' Division 2011

SOUTH ZONE CHAMPIONS! NATIONALS TOP 8!