Caption: Christien Chrles (C) dunks the ball against Kuching Lord Tiger. Picture: Courtesy of SABA (Sungai Apong Basketball Association)
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
CHRISTIEN Charles powered the Beruang Blazers to their second victory at the 2017 Dato Jimmy Poh Basketball Open Invitation Tournament in Kuching with a 109-82 victory over two-time EBL champions Kuching Lord Tiger last night.
The American import posted a huge double-double with 41 points and 22 rebounds to his name in the victory at the Sungai Apong basketball court.
Jarron Crump notched 19 points while captain Ben Sim was the other in double figures with 10 points.
Ahmad Termizi Noordeen and Kel Hung contributed nine points each.
On the other hand, Bobby Balacunag produced a double-double for the Lord Tiger with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
James Regaldo notched 18 points while Bryan Sim and Andy Jong chipped in 13 and 12 respectively in the defeat.
Beruang Blazers captain Ben Sim (R) hit double figures against Kuching Lord Tiger last night. PIcture: Courtesy of SABA (Sungai Apong Basketball Association)
The game was still within reach for the Lord Tiger after the end of the first quarter with Blazers up 30-22.
The Brunei side then got the ball down to Charles as he went to work in the paint to score at will to see the advantage blow up to 62-40 at halftime.
Lord Tiger simply had no answer to contain the height of the 7’1 American to see the Blazers lead by as many as 36 points in the third period enroute to victory.
The Blazers will resume their campaign today at 7pm against Miri King Kong.
The second game pits SABA (Sg Apong Basketball Association) against Lord Tiger at 8.30pm.
Victories for the Blazers and SABA will see both teams square off in the final on Saturday.
