Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
YTE used their disappointment from Phase 1 to fuel their determination to win Phase 2 of the YOU.C1000 Cup.
YTE went unbeaten through six games and successfully defended their title after defeating FZ-Juramas 86-67 in the final last night.
It was in the Phase 1 semi-finals where they crumbled after letting a seven-point lead slip in under a minute in regulation against Easyway to lose 97-92 in overtime.
“Coming off a disappointing end to phase 1, we knew we had to play with a lot of hunger to redeem ourselves this time round,” said Singaporean import Leon Kwek on behalf of the team in an interview with BruSports News after the win.
“The experience in Phase 1 helped us play with the desperation we had for the whole league.
“It already gave us a wake up call to always give our best in every game,” he added.
“So to finally do it after nine days, we can finally sleep in peace and not having to think of the games,” continued Kwek, who produced a game-high of 20 points in the final.
YTE also showed good team chemistry in the competition and Kwek felt that it was what helped them stay unbeaten.
“Definitely the team spirit. Throughout the competition we played as a team be it on defence or offence,” said the 23-year-old.
“Playing like a family is definitely crucial for us in coming so far and ending up with the championship,” he added.
When asked on what’s next for the team, the Singaporean replied: “Everything is still on hold.
“The team will take a short break from this championship and we will gather back again for the next competition that we decide to participate in,” he continued.
Meanwhile, FZ-Juramas captain Esmond Tan felt that YTE were simply the better team.
"We didn't communicate well and they (YTE) had a better game plan," said Tan.
"They played and won as a team. It is well deserved and congratulations to them," he concluded.
