Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
WOLVES dispatched Underdogs 85-65 today to move into the final of Chau & Lava Media Under-16 Basketball Tournament.
They will battle the unbeaten Young Blood, who crushed 2Hype 116-34 in the other last-four match, for the title tomorrow at 10am.
Mohd Francis (pic) was the biggest factor for Wolves with a game-high of 38 points.
Lau Chang Hung also came up strong with 29 points to his name while John Medina was the other in double figures 11 points in the win at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat.
On the other hand, Jordan topscored for Underdogs with 34 points while JP Sugnan chipped in 10 points to a losing cause.
MIguel Molina (R) of Wolves picked up an ankle injury early in the game. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Wolves came out running and scored the first seven points of the game.
However, they were down to six men after Miguel Molina picked up a right ankle injury just minutes into the game.
But it didn’t stop them from opening up a double digit lead largely thanks to 12 first quarter points by Mohd Francis to give his side a 23-13 advantage heading into the second period
Wolves led by as many as 14 points before Underdogs took things into the paint for an 8-0 run forcing their opponents to take a timeout.
Wolves return to the floor with a strengthened defence to force turnovers off their opponents to score on the break to regain a 45-31 lead at halftime.
The lead ballooned to as large as 18 points despite Underdogs battling hard to keep the score close.
Jordan (C) of Underdogs tried to keep his side in the game with 32 points. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
They continued attacking the paint with their height advantage but Wolves had the better ball movement to find the open man to score and stay in front 61-46 going into the final stanza.
Both sides traded baskets and Underdogs were unable to get close. Lau had the hot hands knocking down several jumpers for 14 points in the 10-minute frame.
Medina knocked down a three-pointer to make it 77-62 with three minutes to go.
They utilised the clock on each possession down the stretch and ensure they claim victory.
JP Sugnan of Underdogs goes for a layup against Wolves. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
