Yee Chun Leong
SERIA
HALIF & Sons were crowned champions of the Golden Jubilee Cup 2017 after dispatching Fu Yun Yuan Contractor 67-53 in the final last night.
Elvin Requintin, who was named the MVP, was the biggest factor for Halif & Sons with a game-high of 18 points.
Elvin Requintin (L) of Halif & Sons was named the MVP. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Captain Lavarias produced 13 points while the duo of Apollo Bibat and Faustino chipped in nine points each in the victory at the Kg Baru basketball court in Seria.
On the other hand, Yeo Chun Kiat and Allen topscored for Fu Yun Yuan with 14 points apiece in a losing effort.
It was a scrappy opening period with both sides missing a handful of baskets - including open layups and shots from underneath the basket - but it was Halif & Sons who opened up a 15-12 lead going into the second quarter.
Halif & Sons dominated the boards and made their opponents pay with second chance opportunities.
Apollo Bibat of Halif & Sons skies for the rebound. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Fu Yun Yuan Contractor in a group photo. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
They were also going with long range passes to catch Fu Yun Yuan out on the break and eventually extended their advantage to 32-25 at halftime.
Halif & Sons opened up a double digit lead with under eight minutes left in the third quarter after a layup by Requintin to make it 38-27.
Fu Yun Yuan then picked up at the defensive end to cut the deficit to six points resulting in a timeout by their opponents.
It worked perfectly as Halif & Sons regrouped and came out with a 9-0 run to go up by 52-37.
Ben Sim of Fu Yun Yuan Contractor arrived just before the end of the third quarter. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Ben Sim gave Fu Yun Yuan a lift after checking into the game with just over a minute left in the third quarter.
However, there was plenty of work to be done as they trailed 54-39 heading into the final frame.
Fu Yun Yuan looked more organised on defence but shot poorly resulting in Halif & Sons pulling away by as many as 19 points - a lead that was never threatened enroute to the crown.
Onn Jen Hao (R) of Fu Yun Yuan Contractor goes for a shot while defended by Apollo Bibat of Halif & Sons. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Meanwhile, Wolves bagged the bronze after overcoming a shorthanded Chicken King 72-57 in the third-place playoff.
