It was a close call for Malaysia despite beating National Taiwan Normal University 79-70 at the Maba International Basketball Invitation in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian men team breezed through with ease ending the first 10-minute quarter with a 10 point advantage 22-12 at the Maba Stadium.
Letting their guard down, their Taiwanese counterparts, however, turned on the heat to overturn the lead to a two-point advantage (25-27) with three minutes remaining after Malaysia squandered their attempts with a nervous play.
With a minute down the clock, the national team broke-even to match 30 all. But luck was definitely on their side where a remarkable last ditch attempt from half court gave from Wong Yi Hou gave the Malaysians a three-point cushion.
In the third quarter, national coach Goh Cheng Huat’s boys showed their true colours when they pressed forward to extend their lead to a nine-point difference 56-47.
Malaysia had the shivers when Normal University played to respectable come back to reduce the deficit by three points (73-70) with one minute left in the fourth. But Malaysia kept their cool to win the game 79-70.
Malaysian top scorer Kuek Tian Yuen had a perfect night reeling in a whopping 30 points for the team who also credited his mates for the achievement.
“I think we still need to work on our defence as we let slip in a couple of quarters. The win was good for the team and we hope to keep it up that way until the SEA Games this August is over.
“I have to thank the team as it was their effort and support that has given me this opportunity to bag 30 points and without them it wouldn’t be possible to achieve,” said Kuek. – BY ALVIN OH
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