YTE down KOF to make quarter-finals

YUAN TONG ENTERPRISE (YTE) secured a place in the quarter-finals after beating KOF 74-53 in Group A of the 2009 Brunei Pepsi Cup at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat yesterday. The victory put YTE second in Group A behind leaders Linktech. Only two teams from the four groups advance to the quarter-finals.

Both YTE and KOF had to win yesterday's game to stay alive. With this in mind, both teams started brightly with YTE taking a slim 20-16 lead into the second quarter.

But YTE shifted gears in the second period outscoring their opponents 22-11 in the quarter to open up a 42-27 lead at halftime.

They continued their good form in the third period, defending brilliantly to shut down KOF.

YTE were in cruise control heading into the final quarter as they closed off the game for the all important victory.

YTE, represented by national cagers, shared the points between their players as Esmond Tan contributed 14 while Yap Chun Ping and Jong Guo Zhang each delivered 10 points. KOF were led by Ong Su Meng with 17 points and Ong Su Joung (14).

In the late match, Babes Boutique showed no mercy as they powered their way past a hapless White Heaven 106-62 in the last match of the group stages of the 2009 Brunei Pepsi Cup.

Four players were in double figures for Babes Boutique with Don Dadis Mordeno leading the way with 19 points, Hosend Mangoroban pouring in 18 points, Majomar Aying contributing 17 points and Roldan Binas finishing with 11 points.

Vincent Superio led White Heaven with a game high 26 points to a losing cause.

Both teams, already having advanced to the next round, were fighting out for top honours in Group D.

The quarter-finals, which start tonight, will be played in a round robin format with the eight teams divided into two groups.

Linktech, Chop Eng Seng Keo (CESK) Pinoy Resources, Team Wayne 'B' and White Heaven make up the first group while the second group is made up of Babes Boutique, Bukit Ladang, YTE and Kitchen of Jasmine.

Team Wayne 'B' will take on White Heaven at 7pm today followed by the clash of the titans, favourites Linktech going head to head against three-time Sultan Cup winners, CESK Pinoy Resources at 8.30pm.

The Brunei Times