Asian International School suited up a robust last quarter performance to outsmart De Lasalle College (DSL)in a nail biting final to own the title of All Island Champions. The scoreboard read in the favor of greens 78-64 at full time.
DSL won the traditional jump ball and drew first blood in the maiden procession swishing the nets off a layup. Both the teams were equally matched with height and talent. AIS opted for a man-to-man defense which is something that they do the best. But this time around, the story did seem to have a different plot. Lads from DSL penetrated into a strong defense and each and every time they made sure that they converted the processions into scores. Skipper Bevan Samuel was out of touch during the maiden quarter but the rest of the team managed to hold down the fortress. DSL closed down the maiden quarter with a one point lead.
DSL seemed to have done their homework well. AIS changed their defense strategy to a zonal defense hoping to bring the score board onto a pause. DSL adopting into the situation, rattled the defense and kept on continuing the streak. Both the sides were on top in etching the rebounds both defensively and offensively. DSL was on top of the defensive aspect during the second quarter and it made the life of AIS boys tough in the offense. They did do the right thing; penetrating and trying to draw fouls but the defense was just too good. Taheer Akbrally however was a salient feature as he scored in a tough time and helped out his outfit to stay alive.
Half time – Asian International School – 21 De La Salle College – 29
Even though DSL did step into the game with a slight psychological advantage, revitalized AIS lads battled it out well. Skipper Bevan Samuel scoring a couple of points in quick succession equalized the scoreboard 40-40 with three minutes to go down in the third quarter. From that point onwards AIS swapped the fate of the game.
It was such a disappointment to see DSL lads letting go the final few minutes of the game. They were right on top of the game but as AIS lead the game by a couple of a points DSL showed lack of experience to handle pressure. Offense for AIS did flow naturally throughout the tournament hence rattling out a pressured defense of DSL was not much of a task.
DSL started missing shots in the offense which was well rebounded by the AIS lads converted into points at the other end. They tightened the screws opting for a half-court trap during the final six minutes of the game. DSL was in desperate need to score a couple of shots from downtown but they were just not lucky as the ball always bounced on the ring and fell off.
AIS playing their A grade game rose from the dead to see off nail biting final and walk away as the champions.
Full time – Asian International School – 78 De Lasalle College – 64
ThePapare.com player of the match – Taheer Akbrally (Asian International School)
