Written by: Kam Keng Han
Edited by: Chen Kexin and Lydia Ong
Photos by: EusoffWorks
Overall score: Eusoff 3-0 KR
The 17th of January marked the beginning of the end for many of our basketball players. Many of them headed into today’s game possibly playing their second last game after being part of the Eusoff family for the past 4 years. After 2 swift victories against KE and Sheares, the girls now found themselves on the doorstep of the finals as they face off against KR in the semifinals.
Set 1: Tam, Vivian, Shanhao, Jess 17-7 (W)
Momentum is key in any sport, to ensure Eusoff started off on the right foot, line 1, led by Captain Vivian had to ensure that they could set the tone for the rest of the day. A physical game of basketball was on display as the players from both side fought and scrambled hard for rebounds. Unfortunately for KR, Vivian pretty much owned the area below the rim, notching up rebounds after rebounds. The methodical dismantling of KR’s first line could be felt so clearly even if one were to close their eyes and only relied on their ears. KR’s bench started off with loud cheers and words of encouragement that echoed around the court despite it being only 9am (not sure how but nice). However, as the game progressed, the sounds of KR’s bench dwindled and the familiar cheers of Eusoff’s bench grew louder and louder. On and off the court, Eusoff dominated. Game on. Eusoff 1-0 KR. Eusoff bench 1-0 KR bench.
Jess smiles to distract the opponent while Vivian sneaks up behind for the pass.
Set 2: Jermaine, Hwee, Cheryl, Alex 11-6 (W)
As a mere spectator, this was possibly the most intense set that I’ve witnessed so far in this year’s IHG. Knowing very well that KR had a strong player, the girls entered the set with a game plan to neutralize her. From the get-go, it was clear that KR 69 was there to do the heavy lifting for the team while the other players were there to support, defend and feed her the ball. Talk about a one man show. KR 69 dominated the shots attempted stat sheet if that ever existed but failed to convert many. However, despite not landing many of her shots, she was still able to drive in and draw fouls (controversial yes but it is part of wearing yellow). The first half ended at a tight scoreline of 2-2. Our girls were obviously unsatisfied, 69 of KR was still able to drive in and create opportunities for herself despite efforts to stop her with double and triple teams. Our team also similarly struggled to sink our shots despite grabbing multiple rebounds. Something had to change.
The girls demonstrating good defence against player 69.
In the 2nd half, Jermaine, a freshie mind you, stepped up and popped off, bringing the court to life with her handles and poise as she took on 69 of KR head on. Soon enough the one man show ended as 69 was unable to last the entire match. She was gassed. From then on, Eusoff started to gain control and watching their main player waver, KR themselves knew that the game was pretty much over. Kudos to them for the hard-fought set. We took the half 9-4, closing the set 11-6.
Set 3: Chok, Vera, Thea, Huiling 16-2 (W)
If set 1 was about setting the tone, set 3 was all about being clinical, surgical, decisive. Go look up the thesaurus yourself. The defense completely overwhelmed KR’s offense with steals, blocks, rebounds and intercepts. To put it simply, our players were literally ripping balls out of KR’s grasp and figuratively taking the win away from them. Honestly, anyone in their shoes will probably wet themselves as a charging Vera or Chok is a sight that not many would want to see. And their hunger for the ball was not only intense, but also consistent. The girls were flying around the court, charging below the rim to secure the ball after the shot, giving the already discouraged KR girls no chance of putting up a fight. 16-2 nuff said. As the girls momentarily soak in the win, let’s all turn our attention to the finals next Friday against Temasek and give the girls as much support as we can!
Cheryl masterfully trying to attempt a shot after being blocked by the opponent
Set 1: Tam, Vivian, Shanhao, Jess 17-7 (W)
Set 2: Jermaine, Hwee, Cheryl, Alex 11-6 (W)
Set 3: Chok, Vera, Thea, Huiling 16-2 (W)
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