S16 - SGP Tournament - Sweet 16 : Shohoku Backers ended Whampoa All-Stars three-peat with 92-79
For one last quarter, the new public enemy was almost born for Shohoku Stadium crowds.
Polish Bomber Konrad Krassowski was the marksman everywhere at 4th quarter, but his 14pts during that period was not enough to bring Whampoa for their fourth Championship, as they have to surrender to the home team and Tournament Rival Shohoku Backers 79-92.
Shohoku Backers, trailed 40-44 at halfime, use a strong third quarter to deliver the most damage ever against Whampoa, connected everywhere from the field and long ranges. Sebastian Darras scored 11pts during that period, after shot awfully 1/12 FG during 1st half.
It was almost all one sided game, as the Backers comfortably led by 15pts with 7minutes left at 4th, but Krassowski heating up again. Paired with Omri Arnon, they led a 19-5 flurry to bring Whampoa closer 79-84. But time is running out, they have to foul their opponents. Shohoku was able to make the most of Free Throws, and ended the game at 92-79.
Meanwhile at Tribuana Arena, the crowds were almost shocked once again as the home team Pekanbaru Jaguars were outscored 9-19 at the 1st quarter, a signal that they might tank again on Tournament games. But Tommy Kupila, the new recruited player by Jaguars, restore the life up for Jaguars for the rest of the game. Teaming up with Sorin Niculae and Huo Xiang Song, Jaguars outscored WWS 75-48, ended the game with 84-67. Kupila led the team with 26pts, Niculae and HXS scored 25. Thierry Rault led WWS with 14pts.
The latest victory made the Pekanbaru Jaguars Advanced to the Tournament Quarter Finals for the first time on their history.
Key Matches Next week :
SLZH (rank 18) @ Pekanbaru Jaguars (rank 4). Let's forgot the ranks. A visit to Chai Chee arena for National TV broadcasted game, then played Shohoku Backers at next game should be enough to dry out the Jaguars. Will they able to hold off SLZH, the ex SBBL and now perhaps the strongest Div II team?