If you are still not aware, RI/RJC is currently in the midst of inter-school competition for all 3 divisions. There are plenty of games to enjoy if you have time to go down and watch. I went for the "A" Boys match this afternoon (during lunch time) gainst NJC. Both teams lost to HCI earlier, so it is a do or die match. Winner will move on to the next round and the end of the season for the loser. A summary of the match (from my personal perspective and as much of the score that I can recall) as follows:
1Q : By the time I was there, it was near the end with NJC leading by 2.
2Q : NJC started the 2nd quarter better organised and was often quicker to the rebounds at both ends. This led to many second and third opportunities. On the other hand, our boys were taking ill-advised and challenged shots. NJC began to build its lead up to 6, we were fortunate the lead was not more as NJC missed several clear lay-ups and under basket shots. This notwithstanding, some good defensive work towards the end of the half saw us closing the gap to 3 but a silly foul at the buzzer gave away 2 unnecessary points. Down by 5 at half time.
3Q : 3rd quarter was marred by poor finishings by both teams. At the start of the quarter, NJC threatened to run away with the game but a couple of 3-pointers from Danny saw us closing the gap to 3 points. We are set for a thriller in the 4th.
4Q : Both teams traded baskets early and NJC maintained a slender 2 to 5 point margin till mid quarter. Then, a sudden change of fortune, good pressure defence forces several consecutive turnovers from NJC. We were also making up grounds on the offensive glass where our backup center pull down a few offensive boards and getting fouled along the way. A couple of free throws saw us leveling and eventually taking a 1-point lead with about 4 minutes left in the game. Momemtum of the game has shifted and now NJC is chasing the game. In the last 3 minutes, we caught fire hit 3 consecutive 3 pointers but each time we open up the lead, NJC will respond almost immediately. To the boy's credit, we maintain our composure and killed the game from the charity strip wimnning the game with our biggest margin of 5.
My evaluation of the match ("A" Boys, please feel free to disagree)
It was a tale of 2 halves. If I am a neutral party, I would say it is a 50/50 game but a huge pity that NJC lost. They looked more organised and purposeful especially in their attacks. However, we made it up with tough defence, aggression and some timely shooting. If NJ had capitalise on their advantage in the first half, by making some of those missed shots, we might have found the gap too big to overcome in the 4Q. At the end, the biggest difference was we were a bit more hungry for victory.
What I like about the team, I see everyone on the court giving his 100%. Team spirirt is also good. This is extremely important, please keep this up.
What I dislike about the game, not enough communication on the court. Earlier in the game, some players were Impatient and trying too hard in offence such driving into human traffic and taking shots off balance or with 2 hands in the face. We were clearly more patient in the 2nd half, moving the ball and that led to good looks and baskets.
All the best in the 2nd round. Hope to be able to make it for more games.......
