Klang Basketball League Update

Ex-UM played much better (compared to Jenjarom) though we still lost the 1st game (which should have been a "winnable" game). Our play continued to improve in the next 2 games though we lost both those 2 games to better / stronger teams.

Results :

Game 1 vs Waterboy - Loss (50-53)
Game 2 vs Jenjarom - Loss (67-82)
Game 3 vs Hangching - Loss (74-83)

It can be seen that though we lost, the margins were not big and our scoring improved to the high 60's / 70's.

Game 4 vs Auto Dealer however was played in wet / rainy conditions. All our players were understandably cautious and we played one of our worst games. Our opponent (Auto Dealer) seemed unafraid of the slippery conditions and we found ourselves trailing the whole game and being totally outplayed. With 8m 37s remaining in the 4th quarter, the rain started falling in earnest and the referee mercifully stopped the game. Organizers decided that we would resume the remaining 8m 37s after our next game (Game 5 vs Hoops).

Game 5 vs Hoops - we started the game poorly. For some reason all of us kept missing easy shots / lay-ups that we would normally make. Fortunately for us, our opponent also did not shoot a high percentage. Still after 3 or 4 minutes, we were already trailing 2-7. We had no choice but to go to our 3/4 court zone press in an attempt to change things up. Our press worked fantastically! Hoops struggled to get the ball across half-line and we had steal after steal leading to easy lay ups. We went on a 20-0 run to finish the first quarter up 22-7. We continued to press and trap non-stop throughout the game and was able to maintain a comfortable lead throughout. Our first competition win in more than a year!! Final score 82-58.

We all were tired but obviously happy with the win.

We then had to continue our game vs Auto Dealer immediately with 8m 37s left and with us down by 14 points (23-37). We thought, "what the heck", and went straight into our 3/4 court zone press as well. Initially we had mixed success. Some steals and scores but they also got two "and-1s" / 3 point plays. With about 4 minutes left, we still found ourselves down by 15 points (28-43). Things weren't looking good. Suddenly we went through a stretch where we had great success with our press and had several consecutive fantastic defensive stops - we (especially Sem who was flying everywhere) were stealing or causing turnovers after turnovers and the few times they did break through our trap, Pin and Phang each had great blocked shots to prevent the score and Chen Wee cleaned up all defensive rebounds. At the offensive end, Chen Wee hit a 2 point jump shot, Pin got fouled and sank both his free throws and I hit a 3 pointer. Suddenly the lead was down to 8 (35-43)! Time out by Auto Dealer!!

After the time out, our run continued. Off a broken baseline in-bounds play, Phang picked up the loose ball, scored and was fouled (he hit his free throw for a 3 point play). Next I hit another 3 point shot. Finally, Chen Wee puts back an offensive rebound and we were tied for the first time, with barely a minute to go (43-43). They score 2 more points on free throws (43-45). We failed to score and Auto Dealer broke our trap and was headed for a lay up. They scored but Pin had stepped up and took a charge and the score was waived off!! The score remained 43-45. Phang then answers and calmly hits a 2 pointer to tie the game (45-45)! Overtime!!

We continued with our press in OT and had initial success. At the offensive end, we were just running the same play over and over again to get open shots for Phang. Phang hit a 2 and a 3 to give us a 5 point lead. But Auto Dealer would not give up and they had a 3 point play and a 3 point shot to take a 1 point lead (50-51) with about 1 minute to go. We failed to score and they managed to draw a foul on the next possession, making the 1st free throw (50-52) but missing the second. Chen Wee rebounds, outlets to me and a couple of Auto Dealer players tried to trap me. Foul!! And so with the clock stopped, we walked all the way to the other end (red flag situation) and I stepped up to the free throw line. I missed my first!! I make the 2nd and we are still down by 1 (51-52) with 50+ seconds to go.

We tried to trap but failed. Auto Dealer however pulls back after breaking our trap and elects to run clock off. Knowing we would still get the ball back, we calmly waited and did not foul. As their shot clock wound down, they were forced to take a contested shot which missed and Chen Wee rebounded. We headed the other end with about 30s left. I get the ball to Phang. Phang dribble penetrates. There is a lot of contact but no whistle. Phang shoots a 5 foot shot but in heavy traffic. The ball hits the back rim and bounces out. Chen Wee rises way over 2 Auto Dealer players, reaches over their heads and snaps the rebound back. As they turn and start to grab Chen Wee, Chen Wee powers his way back up, keeping his focus all the way and puts the ball back in! Score (53-52) and foul!! 9 seconds left.

Here Auto Dealer coach makes a coaching mistake. He calls their only time out before Chen Wee shoots his free throw!! Firstly, this helps us as it gives Chen Wee a chance to catch his breath. Secondly, this means they won't be able to call a time out after Chen Wee's free throw and advance the ball to the half linen to inbounds! After the time out, Chen Wee calmly hits his free throw. We pretend to press and all 5 Auto Dealer players come to their back court to help break the press. We dare not actually try to trap for fear of fouling (red flag situation) but succeeded in making them use valuable time. As they came to their front court, they seemed uncertain whether they wanted to shoot a 3 (for the win) or go for a 2 (to tie). We defend everything and they failed to even make a shot attempt and time runs out. Against all expectations, we WON!!

We had scored only 23 points through 3 quarters and 1 1/2 minutes of the 4th quarter (in wet conditions). But on this day, we had scored 22 points in 8m 37s of the 4th quarter alone!

Final score 54-52!!

Auto Dealer players were shell-shocked!! We went off to celebrate at the nearby mamak stall!!

It's been a while since we had such an exciting game and our end game composure finally resembles the calm and steady "Ex-UM" that I know we are capable off.

The organizers have not decided whether they will have a "Quarter Finals". If they do, we actually manage to advance. If they decide to go directly to a "Semi Finals" we will not advance. In any event, its been a great and fun run.

Well done and well played to all our Ex-UM players.

Regards,
Coach Loke Yew