Fadhil Yunus
Propel x Yi’s Nation emerged champions in the Men’s Open category of the Low San Basketball Tournament 2022 after defeating TK Tea House 89-85 in the final at the Brunei Basketball Association Court in Batu Bersurat last night.
Propel x Yi’s Nation player Aaron Goh pulled off a three pointer to make breathing space as his team extended a four-point gap.
The sharpshooter nearly made a toilet bowl shot but the ball somehow missed the net as TK Tea House breathed a sigh of relief.
As Propel moved six points clear, they clawed their way back and cut the deficit to just three points after a player converted a free throw.
With Propel eager to turn defence into attack, Aaron Goh made an exquisite pass to Alvin Goh, who forced a free throw which he full used.
It was slowly turning into Propel’s game to lose as Alvin helped his team build a nine-point lead.
Propel further established themselves in the tie with a 11-point gap as the clock ticked down to the last five minutes.
With TK Tea House’s Alvin Requintin set to race clear to put on points in the board, Kenny Lim rose to Propel’s defence.
Requintin kept the game interesting and TK Tea House relevant in the tie once again as a double-digit gap was significantly trimmed to just four points.
Just when it seemed that Propel seemed to be on course of victory, TK Teahouse’s Imperial Valenzuela further piled on the pressure after narrowing the gap to just two points.
Gary Cucu Yong Antonio rescued TK Teahouse after his two-pointer ensured the game went into overtime.
Deep into overtime, Darren Chai sunk a three-pointer to give Propel a five-point lead.
With TK Tea House looking to close the gap and repeat their success at the end of the fourth quarter, Shim Jan Ting came to the rescue as he held the ball in the air.
It was a moment of redemption for the player who had earlier missed his shot, which sent TK Tea House on the attack.
With 15 seconds remaining, Alvin Goh put his side four points up, all but sewing up victory.
With Propel in possession of the ball, they could not be in a better position to ensure a fine triumph.
Yi’s Nation x Propel finished second runners-up in the Men’s Open category after defeating Last Rite 78-74 in the third place match.
Meanwhile, TK Tea House emerged winners of the Veteran’s Category after defeating Concept Computer 85-73 in an earlier tip-off.
TK Tea House will be bringing home the Challenge Trophy after winning the competition for a third consecutive time.
ACCG were the second runners-up in the Veteran’s category after defeating Ra’kin Design 66-59 in a third place playoff.
Ong Tiong Oh presented the prizes to the winners.