| James Kon |
YTE Basketball Team yesterday afternoon dethroned defending champion, IMD Team with a scoreline of 96-92 in the closely contested final of the Inter Company NBT Basketball Tournament at the Darussalam Hall of Chung Hwa Middle School.
YTE’s Palanca and Darren Chai combined for 41 points while IMD star player Leones contributed 29 points before substituted out with cramps three minutes before the final whistle.
Coach Ray of IMD in an interview after the game said, “The quality of the referee today has affected the team momentum. We are disappointed with the lost however YTE did put up a good game to keep the score close and to win.”
He also added that high scorer Leonas suffered a cramp in the fourth quarter which has affected his game in the tournament.
Meanwhile Coach Manolito of YTE who took charge of the team just three matches before the final said, “I am really happy with the hard fought win. It’s a sweet revenge after losing to IMD in the previous match up in the quarter round.”
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, in a group photo with the winners of the Inter Company NBT Basketball Tournament – YTE Basketball Team. – JAMES KON
He added that “the players have done well both on defence and offence. Benjamin Sim, Palanca and Darren Chai came through in scoring.”
Coming into the final with a perfect record, IMD managed to carve an eight points lead after an intense first quarter with the score of 18-26 thanks to a last ditch three pointer from Leonas that sink in.
However YTE managed to crawl back into the match in the second quarter thanks to impressive performance towering centre Barcellano who contributed in the rebounding while his team mate Darren Chai score a clutch three pointers to close up the second quarter with just one point deficit against IMD.
After the interval, both teams traded points and IMD remained in a one point lead by the end of the third quarter 70-69.
In the deciding quarter, Darren Chai calmly scored six consecutive free throws in the final minutes after players from IMD committed various fouls on him to seal off the game for YTE.
IMD’s Leonas was awarded as the Most Valued Player (MVP) for his a high scoring effort.
Meanwhile third place went to D’s Sunlit after winning against Digimark 81-79.
Attending as the guest of honour to present the prizes was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs.
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