Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
IZZAH Sandoval steered Winrun Tyres to the GRÂND Women Open Basketball Tournament title after a 64-49 win over MyTown Eating House in the final last night.
The 21-year-old carried her side with 38 points despite having to face a box and one defence much of the match.
“It is probably the best game I’ve played. I was in a championship match two months ago but unfortunately we didn’t win,” said Sandoval in an interview with BruSports after the triumph.
“I was on a mission for championship and I played my best tonight (Wednesday night),” she added.
Izzah Sandoval goes for a shot against the MyTown Eating House defence. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
When asked on the defensive strategy of her opponents, she replied: “I was expecting a lot from them. They used to be my teammates so they know how I play.
“They did well on the defence but on other hand I guess I had the better offence,” she added.
Michaela Norris was the other in double figures for Winrun Tyres with 10 points to her name.
On the other hand, Lim Giuk Ting was the only one in double figures for MyTown with 14 points in a losing effort.
E Villaflor (R) and Alexa Khoo battle for a loose ball. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Winrun Tyres got off to a strong start netting the first 11 points and only allowed MyTown to get on the scoreboard after four minutes into the match at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat.
MyTown had difficulty handling the height advantage of their opponents and missed a handful of easy baskets to see them trail 19-7 going into the second quarter.
Winrun Tyres led by as many as 16 points before Izzah took a breather allowing MyTown to cut the deficit to 25-14 midway through the frame.
It was back to normal for Winrun Tyres when she got back on the floor to see them go back up 31-16 at halftime.
Caroline of Winrun Tyres takes a shot early in the game against MyTown Eating House. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Wardah Mekrat (L) of MyTown Eating House drives against E Villaflor of Winrun Tyres. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Winrun Tyres turned the ball over several times to start the second half and allowed their opponents to close to within 10 points.
Izzah then took over to score 14 points in the frame and the advantage ballooned to 49-29 heading into the final period - where MyTown never threatened with a comeback.
SSB Honey Carsmart A claimed the bronze after beating Indera En Voy Transportation 71-42 in the third-place playoff on Tuesday night.
MyTown Eating House in a group photo. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
