SEA Games: Bronze after 34-year drought for S'pore men's basketball team

That 34-year wait ended when Singapore thrashed hosts Myanmar 89-52 in their final round-robin game at the Zayyathiri Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Men’s Basketball Team Beat Indonesia Following Win Over Malaysia

Mere seconds after the final buzzer sounded at the Zayar Thiri Indoor Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday (12 December), tears started flowing uncontrollably among Singapore's plucky basketball boys. They had just achieved a significant milestone - a convincing 62-48 triumph for their first SEA Games victory over close rivals Indonesia.

Mental Fortitude

Amidst the ecstatic, tear-streaked faces and hugging bodies, team manager Koh Koon Teck was a picture of tranquillity. "I always knew the boys had it in them," he said. "The biggest difference at this Games has been their ability to learn from their mistakes and improve. Their heads might have dropped after two straight losses, but their hearts never wavered."

Bouncing Back

Few would have backed Singapore to break their basketball medal drought -stretching back to a Bronze at the 1979 Games - after their two opening defeats to Thailand (59-69) and the Philippines (75-88). But they fought back to claim a narrow 71-67 victory over Malaysia on Tuesday (10 December). It was their first win against their Causeway rivals at the Games since 1979.

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Star Of The Show

Against Indonesia, their mental strength was again evident. Despite trailing after the first quarter, the boys wrestled control of the game to take a commanding lead. While Koh declined to single out individuals for praise, the undisputed star of the team has been Wong Wei Long. The point guard was once again the highest team scorer with 14 points.

Task Ahead

Meanwhile, the scenario is clear if the boys want to deliver Singapore's first Basketball medal in 34 years. To earn the Bronze, they must beat Cambodia (13 December) and Myanmar (14 December) in their remaining two fixtures and hope Malaysia loses to Thailand. Silver could also be in their grasp, if other results go their way. As Koh aptly put it, "We've already rewritten the record books twice (by beating Malaysia and Indonesia). Why not make it thrice?"

Original article “Men’s Basketball Team Beat Indonesia Following Win Over Malaysia” from www.teamsingapore.com.sg
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