C Division 3rd and 4th Placing Match

Points by Quarter:

1st-----2nd-----3rd-----4th

17-------9------14------12-------Raffles

13------10-------7------14-------Fairfield

In this game against Fairfield, we did not have much trouble scoring the ball as we used our height to our advantage. However, our defense was our downfall as we did not closeout on their forwards and point guard, giving them wide open looks at the rim, and knocking their 3 pointers down. This was what kept them in the game throughout this whole match. At halftime, the game was still hanging in the balance, with RI only leading by 3 points, 26-23. But it was another story in the 3rd as we were able to pull away and extend our lead, not failing to return the favour when we were scored on. As the fourth went on, we thought we had the game, but one key turnover and breakaway layup brought Fairfield within 4 points, 48-44 with 54 seconds left to play. In the next possession, we were unable to get the basket, but stole the ball not long after they got the rebound as they could not hang on to it and scored a layup, pushing our lead to 6 points. Finally, they went for a 3 but could not get it to fall, and we secured the rebound. When they fouled us to stop the clock, we converted on both our free throws and iced the game. This was a very exciting game, but on the downside, it proves that we have a lot to work on if we want to go far in the nationals. We cannot assume that our opponents are unable to shoot it from behind the arc, and just leave them wide open. We have got to open our eyes and look for both our low and high posts,  not only our low post. We must learn to slow the pace down and not be too rushed as if we are too rushed, we will get very tired and at the same time, would not be able to get any shots to fall. We did rebound the ball quite well and were able to get some offensive rebounds when our teammates missed. We escaped with the win, but definitely have to work harder as the nationals approach. This game was our last game of the 2012 C Division South Zone Championships and the win secured us the 3rd place.