Dragons Suffered Costly Defeat

The Dragons suffered a costly defeat to Tong Whye Temple last night 73-71. The lost made Home United Dragons to progress to the 3rd round more difficult with BAS new tournament implementation in this year's Milo Cup

BAS implementing a new system for the 2nd round, which we find it impractical and unprofessional, the top two team of each group will progress to the next round with another top two teams from another group. Which also meant that Tong Whye and Home United will again be in the same group and last night result will be brought over to the next round. This also mean that when the 2nd round starts, two teams will start off with a win and two teams will start off with one loss. Should Home United Dragons and Tong Whye successfully proceed to the final round of 6. Their results in the 1st round will be again brought forward to that round. This is what we call, unprofessional and amateur why of organising a tournament. 

Aside from BAS ever changing management and organising of such event, the match involved two of the most talented teams, Home United and Tong Whye looks like a grand final match. Both teams gone through a see saw battle before Tong Whye finally emerged winner in the dying seconds of the last quarter. 

Credits must go to Home United although they lost this important game. Without their big man for this game, the rest of the squad managed to neutralise Tong Whye's big man play, unsettling their flow of play and made Tong Whye's centers work real hard to get the ball. 

Tong Whye scored through their main center, No.12 and Home answered back with their long rage shooting and fast break. No.7 Larry and No.11 scored 13 and 17 points respectively. Six 3-pointers between the two players and a total of nine 3-pointers from the team to keep Home closely contested in the game.

When a team is able to scored so many points  and 3 pointers in a game and yet lost, we have to point out that Home United's defence last night was not really up to par. although they did managed to cut off the Tong Whye's center supply, they lost focus at times to let their opponent scored through easy fast break and basket. This should be something for the team to work on. 

Despite the lost, Home are still hopeful to qualify for the next final round. They would need to beat their next two opponents in order to stand a chance to qualify. If they keep up with the way they scores and brush up their defence, this team could be one of the most difficult team to beat. 

Dragons Progress To Next Round, Protectors Put a Foot In

If you have gone to watch the second match of both Dragons and Protectors, you definitely would have breathing difficulty for both games. The Dragons took on DOS on Wednesday in search to book an early entry to the second round. DOS, who lost to Tong Whye Temple needs to win this game to ensure they stand a chance to qualify.

The Dragons were in control for the 1st half, taking a 36-20 lead during half time. Home took a hugh lead with No.11 Benny Ong scoring freely at any area on the court. He contributed 12 points for the whole game. But DOS did not give up, they gave Home a run during the third quarter. With 5 minutes left on the clock, DOS cut down Home’s lead to 6 points. The Home defence start to look shaky for a moment before a time-out was called.

Back from the time-out, the Home players looked composed and start to score and pull off from their opponent. No.9 Loh Teng Rui contributed 6 points (14 points in total) in the last quarter to stabilise Home lead and make sure that Home proceeded to win this game. It was all over for DOS in this competition when the Dragons held on and won the game 73-56.

Protectors Fenced off Raffles Institution

The Protectors won the game like the way Under 18 won in their first game. Trailing from behind during the 2nd quarter with the score 34-28 at half time, the protectors never look like they are going to win this game. The absence of their key center No.14 Hao Hong is causing more headaches for the team.

Raffles seem to be hungrier to win this game. Protectors set a full court trap defence in the third in hope to overturn the score. No.7 Toh Yi Sin scored a 3 pointer to tie the game at 47-47. The play paid off as they took a 2-point lead at the end of third with the score read 51-49.

The last quarter was a roller coaster ride. Raffles came closed to win the game with their never say die effort. No.8 Koh An Song and No.10 Kenneth Koh scored another 3-pointer respectively to keep Home in the game. The Protectors finally won Raffles 61-59 when the final buzzer sounded. What a relief to the fans, what a game for the team.

Protectors and Home United Under 18 Past First Hurdle

Both Under 16 and Under 18 Home Youth team past their first hurdle on Tuesday when they beat their opponent respectively. The Protectors cruised past Henderson Secondary 84-31 while the Under 18 squad narrowly escaped and scrapped a 60-57 win against Killiney Kopitiam.

The Protectors opened their scoring with Marcus Seah hitting his and the team first 3 points. With Substitutes No.12 Chin Chong Kiat coming on to add another 3 points, Home looked comfortable with 11 points lead 16-5 at the end of first quarter.

With Henderson putting more pressure on Home’s forward, it was show time for Home star center No.14 Lim Hong Hao. Towering at 1.9m tall, the power center show agility with some strong offensive rebound and scoring off the board. He scored 16 points, with No.12 Chin Chong Kiat and No.10 Kenneth Koh adding 12 points each.

With Home United firing freely throughout the game, they further inflicted Henderson’s wound by playing aggressive defence. The match eventually ended 84-31 in favour to Home United.

Under 18 Came Back from Behind to Steal A Win

With both under 16 teams winning their game easily, the Under 18 needs to work very hard to win their opening game. Home United was not helped by their smaller size as compared as their opponent.

Home started strongly with a 8-0 run. But soon found themselves in trouble dealing with
Killiney Kopitiam’s big centers. Although Killiney Kopitiam started off slowly, they eventually managed to close the lead and end the quarter with 14-11.

Killiney Kopitiam pulls off an impressive offence and lead the 2nd quarter 33-30. Throughout the 3rd quarter, Killiney Kopitiam held on to their lead. At one point, Home was trailing by 7 points. But it took a lot of character and mental strength for Home to overturn the score. No.10 Tan Choon Kiat gave everything he had assisting the team by scoring 15 points in the last 2 quarters, 23 points for the whole night. No.9 Lim Wee Hoe scored an important 3 point in the last quarter to bring Home back from the dead.

With a minute left towards the end, the game tied at 57-57. Home defended well and scored a fast break through Tan Choon Kiat. Home took a 2 point lead and with ladyluck shinning on them, Killiney Kopitiam missed an attempt to tie the game. Tan Choon Kiat made his free throw and Home came back from behind to win 60-57.

Home United (Dragons) Sealed Easy Win

Home United under 16 Youth Team (Dragons) were drawn into a group of death in this year Milo Cup. Together in the group are Tong Whye Temple, DOS and Quan Fong. Quan Fong should be the weakness team among all and the three strong teams are left to fight for two slots to proceed to the second round.

The Dragons recorded an easy win tonight at SBC against the lowly Quan Fong. Home is more superior in any department on the court. It was really a one sided game after all with the final score read 105-34.

Home, same as before deployed full court man mark right from the start, similar to the senior team when they won Tong Whye in the NBL final. But they seems to need some time to gel together as there are times where Quan Fong scored easy baskets due to their lacks of concentrations. Despite the down side, this squad fared better in their field goal percentage compared to previous year’s squad.

This match final score line should prove nothing if they lose in their remaining fixtures. Home has some players retained from last year’s squad. With No. 4 Kahliang, No.6 Jun Hao and No.7 Larry remained, back came No.10 Dawei from the combined school. The squad is reinforced by players from the Anglican High. However, the squad lacks of big center, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with team like Tong Whye and DOS.

Next up, Protectors takes on Henderson and Home under 18 faced tough test against Killiney Kopitiam.

By looking at the team sheet, Protectors strength should be about the same as the Dragons. They will meet Henderson in their first game tomorrow at SBC tomorrow at 7pm. The rest of teams are Kaixuan and Gryphons. Home United under 18 shared the same fate as the Dragons, a tough group awaiting ahead as they takes on Killiney Kopitiam tomorrow at a outdoor court Beside Kembangan MRT at 8.30pm. The other two groups are combined school white and team illusion. A big match tomorrow for the under 18 squad. For whoever the winner, that team stands a very high chance to enter the 2nd round.

All the best Home Team……….

Home Youth Team in Action

Home United Basketball Club Youth Team (Boys and Girls) will be in action starting from tomorrow onwards. They will be pitting against other top youth team in Singapore to compete in the Milo Cup 2008.

Milo Cup being the most prestigious Basketball Tournament for the youths in Singapore, is considered the most important game for a youth players.

Home United had send two under 16 boys and one under 18 boy follow by one under 18 girls and one under 16 girls to participate in this tournament. This is the most number of teams Home had sent for this tournament. It seems that Home Youth system is doing fine and has gain popularity among the youths over the years.

With both senior teams secured their championship last night, it will be interesting to see how their youth fair in this tournament.

Check out the boys line up and fixtures……

Under 16 (Dragons)
No.4 Lee Kah Liang (Captain)
No.5 Fong Jia Jun
No.6 Soh Jun Hao
No.7 Larry Liauw
No.8 Jasper Ong Chin Jin
No.9 Loh Teng Rui
No.10 Khoo Dawei (Vice Captain)
No.11 Benny Ong
No.12 Teo Liang Kai
No. 13 Ngai Yi Cong
No.14 Daniel Asyraf Syahiran Bin Rosli
No.15 Bon Yi Cheng

Under 16 (Protectors)
No.4 Aloysius Chua Xue Rui
No.5 Marcus Seah
No.6 Kelvin Liang Chee Wei (Captain)
No.7 Toh Yi Sin
No.8 Koh An Song (Vice Captain)
No.9 Ten Jia Shun
No.10 Kenneth Koh
No.11 Felix Ko Yu Hui
No.12 Chin Chong Kiat
No.13 Seetoh Wen Hao
No.14 Lim Hao Hong
No.15 Lee Guan Hui

Under 18
No.4 Samuel Lee
No.5 Tan Jun Kai
No.6 Travis Ang
No.7 Lim Sihua
No.8 Gavin Yong (Captain)
No.9 Lim Wee Hoe (Vice Captain)
No.10 Tan Choon Kiat
No.11 Calvin Lim
No.12 Tan Kok Song
No.13 Chia Wei Mun
No.14 Ong Jia Jun
No.15 Ng Boon Jun

For full fixtures, pls refer to BAS official website @(http://bas.org.sg/documents/MILO_JrBC_2008_Fixtures.xls)

Home United Dominates NBL Once Again

Home United Basketball Club dominates the local basketball arena once again. With the Men and Women teams winning the Grand Finals of the NBL last night, this is the second time in a row for the Women and fifth for the Men to defend their Championship titles.

The Women Grand Final between Home United and Qian Xi was nail-biting as both teams fought to till the very last seconds of the game. At one time, Home extended their lead to 8 points and looks comfortable to retain their Championship. But Qian Xi never gave up and cut down Home’s lead to 2 points. Lady Luck seems to be on Home Side when Qian Xi players miss a lay up. Home eventually won by 51-48.

The Men Grand Final followed up. It was a repeated final as Home United took on Tong Whye again in this year’s final. Tong Whye, without their key center Pathnman, was a hugh blow to the team.

Once again, Home seems to take some time to settle down when the opponent played zone defence. Tong Whye deployed a 2-3 zone defence seems to work for their in the first quarter. Home, pressing full court at the start of the game had no answer to Tong Whye zonal defence. Tong Whye eventually took a 7 points lead, leaving some nervous moments for the Home’s fan.

In the 2nd quarter, Home continued to deploy their full court press and seem more settled with Tong Whye Zonal defence. Although there isn’t much flow in their attack when Tong Whye was all set in zone, Home’s fast pace game plan and fast breaks made them come back into the game. Home regained their lead at the end of 2nd quarter.

It was a one way traffic in the 3rd and last quarter. Home’s Wang Wei Zhi scored 9 points consecutively to make it more difficult for Tong Whye to come back. Home stretched the lead to 30 points in the 3rd quarter.

The last quarter was a quarter for the clock to run down. The Championship was almost in Home’s bag. The players and the fans waited eagerly for the 10 minutes clock to run down. Home slowed down the game pace by setting a 3-2 zonal defence. This is the first time that anyone have seen them playing zone defence. Although Tong Whye managed a couple of 3 pointers in the last quarter, they never look to have a chance to get back into the game.

The final buzzer sounded with Home United wining the game 82-47. It was a night for all Home officials, players and fans. Once again Home United Basketball Club is the Champions for both Men and Women category.

Well done Home United, you are the truly Champions!

Home United Meet Tong Whye Again in the Final

Home United cruised past Chong Ghee 71-49 in the first semi-final and Tong Whye beat Eng Tat narrowly in the overtime puts the two finalist of last year’s NBL to compete in this year Grand Final again.

Home United was in trouble when they started off their game against Chong Ghee off their mark. Chong Ghee was in lead during the first quarter and Home United did not seem to be able to score during the quarter.

Chong Ghee who held the defending Champion brilliantly throughout the first half found themselves playing the chasing game again in the third. Home pulled off their opponent with their full court press and fast breaks regained their lead and starts to cruise away in the game.

But the boo-boo incident happened at the starts of third quarter has prove again how lousy Singapore basketball referees can be. Chong Ghee had 6 players on the court and 2 points while the Home Players protested even before their opponent scored. The most amazing decision came – The referees actually call for the play to go on and Chong Ghee basket counts. This is so shameful and such a disgrace to the sport. Again, Singapore referees seem to be unable to admit their mistakes and make big decision in the game. What if the score is closely contested? Even if its not, they shouldn’t have carry on with their mistake!

The game went on and saw Home United stamped a place in the Grand Final. Let’s hope that the referees’ standard will be better in the final.

Chong Ghee Secured Fourth Place to Meet Home United

After a hard fought win against last year’s runner up, Tong Whye, Chong Ghee earned themselves a semi-final slot in this year’s NBL. They will face Home United tomorrow night in SBC at 7.15pm

Home United should not be taking this match lightly if they have seen how Chong Ghee managed a win against Tong Whye. Furthermore, Chong Ghee is the only team in the league had pitted wins against the defending champion. Tomorrow’s game should be very much different from their opening encounter.

Another nail-biting semi-final will be Eng Tat Hornets taking on Tong Whye. The latter is not in good form in this year’s NBL. Eng Tat currently in good form should see this match through. But you never know how Tong Whye will react to this game. After all, being the underdog in this game, they got nothing to lose and expect them to give Eng Tat a real fight.

Let’s hope that all four teams will produce some exciting and stunning basketball game tomorrow. Also, we expected all Home United fans to be there again for the team. We have come a long way to support this team, let’s give our fullest support for them in their last 2 matches.

HOME UNITED ALL THE WAY!!!!

Home Unbeaten After First Round

Home United kept a 100% win record after completed round 1 of the National Basketball League. While Home United get to rest for 2 more weeks before taking on 4th placing team of the NBL, the rest of the NBL teams are still competing for the semi-final berth.

Home, who won their last match against NUS once again prove that there are an undisputed Champion of local basketball. Although NUS created a lot of problem for Home United, they were outplayed in the 3rd and last quarter.

NUS, played their maiden season in NBL took on the Champion bravely in the 1st half. In the two quarters, NUS was in control of the game most of the time. But the experience of Home players managed to overturn the tide every time and managed to retain a 1 point lead after the 1st and 2nd quarter.

The 3rd quarter onwards was almost one way traffic in favour of Home. Deploying full court man on man, NUS find it hard to breathe against Home tight defence. Home started to pull away from their opponent after a series waves of fast breaks.

Home United took a comfortable 20 points lead and threw in the rookie players for a run. NUS, with their never give up attitude, tried to press full court in search for some miracles.

It was too late to undone the damages, Home held on their lead superbly and end the game with the score 72 – 49.

Home United Thrashed Tagawa

Home United showed no mercy when they thrashed Tagawa 71-34 during last Wednesday game. Tagawa was no match for the mighty Home in every aspect of the game. 

Tagawa was very much different from the team who beat Tong Whye and lost narrowly to Eng Tat when they faced Home United. They did not put on a fight as their handed their worst defeat of the season. Home United on the other hand recovered from their awful defence against Eng Tat and put on a better performance that night

Home took a big lead in the 1st quarter and extended their lead during half time. There Home travelling on an expressway leaving their opponent way back behind. 

Coming Sunday, Home will meet "Dark Horse", NUS for their last game in this round. A Semi-final spot is confirm for Home. NUS who have impressed the crowd with some breathe taking performances will hope for a semi final place in their maiden appearance in NBL. 

Let's hope that it will be an interesting game ahead.