Yee Chun Leong
TUTONG
GKL emerged champions of the GHK Tutong Cup 2022 after running away with an 84-62 triumph over Pegasus in the final on Friday night.
It was a team effort for GKL as they had five players in double figures in the win at the Tutong Chung Hwa basketball court.
Captain Ben Sim led the way with 18 points while Brendan Lim added 14.
The duo of Jake Chong and Devon Lim poured in 11 while Soon Kian Leong was the other in double figures with 10.
On the other hand, Lim Liang Wei notched a game-high of 21 points to pace Pegasus.
The trio of Esmond Tan, Jeremy Chu and William Ching contributed 11 apiece in the defeat.
Pegasus got off to the better start as they led by as many as nine points in the opening frame.
A pair of freethrows by Sim closed the gap to 20-13 at the end of the first quarter.
GKL went with their second unit and it allowed them to claw their way back into the game.
The smaller lineup utilised their speed and two freethrows by Sim put GKL in front for the first time at the 3:45 mark.
Pegasus called a timeout to regroup but GKL still got the next two baskets.
However. Pegasus stayed in front at the break with Ching scoring in transition and completing a three-point play right at the death.
GKL came out storming after interval and blitzed their opponents with a 10-0 run.
Pegasus were hurt by unforced turnovers and a floater by Devon opened up a double digit lead at 52-41 midway through.
Brendan was aggressive and got things going offensively as GKL extended their lead to 63-48 at the end of the third.
Pegasus regrouped for the decisive quarter while GKL were complacent at the defensive end.
The former chipped away at the deficit to as close as six points after Esmond completed a three-point play to make it 65-69.
GKL took a timeout and Soon made consecutive baskets to keep things calm in their camp.
It began an 11-0 run and resulted in the downfall of Pegasus as GKL ran away with the title.
