MIBI 2019: Post-Game analysis – KL DRAGONS Vs Wah Chin Kings
In a game we desperately needed, the locals stepped up despite Amir Bell and Loh Shee Fai sitting out due to injuries. It was the fourth game at the 2nd MABA International Basketball Invitation against the Australian Wah Chin Kings.
It was a hot first quarter for us, giving a much-needed boost to begin the game, and we never looked back. Jaw dropping plays by both Teoh Yi Kang and Nicholas Tem Zhen Jie brought the crowd to their feet. Most notably an an alley oop play in the middle of the second quarter by Nicholas off a lob from Yi Kang. The Kings never stopped fighting but 15 first half points from Nicholas and 11 from Kel Hung Ing Wai gave us a cushion of 12 points going into the half.
In the second half, we had another crowd-pleasing play courtesy of Yi Kang. He pushed the ball in transition, broke the ankles of a Kings player, and finished a tough layup. A dunk by Will Artino off a timeout followed by a quick basket from Tan Wei Long gave us a 20-point lead after three quarters.
We continued our offensive onslaught in the final quarter scoring 27 points and winning the game 100-83. Artino led the team with 25 points. He also recorded 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Nicholas had 23 points followed by Kel with 19. Simeon Lepichev had a solid double-double pulling down 15 rebounds and scoring 12 points. Yi Kang led all players with 7 assists.
We wrap up our campaign against Xiamen University from China on the 27th of October at 12.00 PM.
The Chinese University Basketball Association South East Region champions are yet to register a win but have come close in the past three games and were almost able to upset the Malaysian National Team in a thrilling encounter where they only lost by 2.
Despite losing key player Cheng Feng to injury, the Chinese University team are still a dangerous side with a variety of scoring options and a distinct height advantage over our team. Their key players to watch are point guard, Li Yiyang, big man Xiao Haonan and swingman Qi Haotong.
A win will guarantee a 3rd place finish for us tomorrow.
