Written by: Darren Chia
Edited by: Jared Rajiv
Photos by: EusoffWorks
In a highly anticipated rematch, our Basketball (M) team faced off once more against Temasek for the IHG title. The Eusoff boys were hungry for vengeance after a stinging 1-point loss to Temasek in the preliminary games.
LYLC Beh winning the tip and setting the tone right from the start
Eusoff got off to a fantastic start, with Chuan Yao making a layup before finding Beh for another. Jovi added to Temasek’s misery with a three, giving Eusoff an early 8-2 lead. Chuan Yao took over the game for the next 8 points, making three layups and finding Beh for another. Darren found Jovi for another three, giving Eusoff a 19-8 lead. Chester showed his midrange prowess with two consecutive bank shots after some nice footwork. The first quarter ended with Eusoff leading 23-8. The two teams traded blows in the second quarter and finished the first half with Eusoff leading 39-23.
Chester fading away off of one foot over the tall TH defender
Things took a turn in the second half. A combination of Jovi getting injured halfway and Chester fouling out left the Eusoff team shorthanded. Temasek capitalized and slowly clawed their way back. Eusoff attacked and defended with everything they had. Notable plays include a long two by Dylan, an ice-cold three by Jared and a huge and1 play by Chuan Yao. Nevertheless, Eusoff struggled to stop the relentless Temasek onslaught. Deep into the fourth quarter, a Temasek three was made to tie the game at 60-60. Two shots were then made to give Temasek a 4 point lead. With little time left, Eusoff had to foul and play. Unfortunately, the free throws were converted and the lead slowly grew. Final score: 69-61 to Temasek.
Chuan Yao taking off and getting some airtime to finish a fastbreak layup
After a game like this it’s easy to think about all the things that could have been. What if Jovi hadn’t gotten injured? What if Chester didn’t foul out? What if the refs had gotten more calls right? But that’s just the sport. Anything can happen and sometimes all one can do is give their all on the court and hope for the best. Today Temasek came out on top, and the entire Eusoff Hall shares in the loss together with the boys. They gave everything they had and can hold their heads high. They’ll surely be back next year, hungrier than ever.
Special mentions:
Some players are just born for big games and Chuan Yao is categorically one such player. He was a force of nature today, combining speed, skill and wit to score almost a third of the team’s points. He was ever aggressive on defense and ended the game with a handful of steals. He fought for every rebound and had some nice passes/assists as well.
It was an immensely fast-paced game today with a lot of back and forth. In the absence of Jovi, a key primary ball handler, Jared really stepped up. He tirelessly fended off the Temasek high press, using speed and handles to work his way up the court. He controlled the play well and worked hard on defense.
LYLC Beh really wanted the win today and it showed. He was easily the most physically dominant player on the court, muscling his way through for a couple of nice layups. He did well to guard the taller Temasek bigs and capped off his defensive performance with a monster block, sending the ball all the way back to beyond the arc.
With that, the season comes to an end. Kudos to Temasek for one hell of a fight. Our boys will be back stronger next year, ready to bring back the title. A big thank you to all Eusoffians for the unwavering support throughout the season. Tune in next year for more basketball action!
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