C Division Semi Finals

Raffles Institution vs Catholic High (43-60)

Points by Quarter:

1st-----2nd-----3rd-----4th
4--------19-------4------16------- Raffles
7--------22------19------12-------Catholic High

This game was a tale of two halves. We came out keeping the score very close throughout the first 2 quarters as we were able to always have an answer for whatever they threw at us. Our defensive intensity was turned up a notch in the first half as we were able to constantly communicate and work out the 2-3 zone that we were running well. We were able to keep the score so close in the game as we put in a collective effort in scoring the points. Many of our players were able to make the score sheet and provide the team with solid contributions. However in the 3rd quarter, the wheels fell off for us. We dug ourselves a big hole in this quarter and erased any chance of us winning the game. Ironically, it was when their key player, #15 was subbed out that they made a run with their bench providing them with a great boost. As the game continued, we gradually grew tired and stopped communicating on the defensive end of the floor. This is not good and we must definitely learn to communicate for the whole game and not just for 2 quarters. Turnovers killed us in this game. In the 3rd, there were some possessions where we were not able to bring the ball pass half court without getting the ball stolen by the opponents, allowing them to go for easy layups with no contest. This was largely due to the fact that the point guard was being pressured by the opponents and the only person who were supporting him was the in-bounder. From now on, forwards have to make a constant effort to go to the back court to support our point guard when he brings the ball up the court. That way, our turnover number will definitely be lower which would without a doubt make a difference. We rebounded the ball well in this game as we were very aggressive on the glass. We were able to hold their key players #7, #12, and #13 to 4 points, 0 points and 4 points respectively which was quite well done. The reason why #12 was scoreless was probably because he was thrown of rhythm as he had 4 fouls even before halftime. We got #15 into foul trouble as well with 4 fouls, but were not able to foul him out. We could not contain #15's scoring as he dropped 30 points on us, half the team's points, using his supreme height advantage to turn around and put it high off the glass for easy buckets over our defense. Our posts did do a good job of defending him, denying him the ball and making him take some bad shots, but sometimes, there is just so much we can do against his skill, height and uncanny athleticism. We will be vying for the 3rd place tomorrow and will play hard to gain an advantage in our nationals coming up.