White Haven post 109-45 victory over TJP

TOURNAMENT favourites White Haven got off to a good start by demolishing TJP 109-45 last night in the Under-23 category of the Basketball Youth Cup at the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) court in Batu Bersurat.

Tony Bong topscored with 34 points while Joseno Mangoroban contributed 28 points for White Haven.

On the other hand, Fakhri Hj Bangkul led TJP with 12 points and Na'iem Hj Azmi chipped in 11 points to a losing cause.

Both teams started off sluggishly as they found difficulty to get any rhythm going in the game. However, White Haven soon picked up the pieces as they took a 14-0 lead midway through the opening period. TJP were not helped by their turnovers and finally got on the scoreboard with less than four minutes into the quarter. White Haven quickly opened up a 31-7 lead going into the second quarter.

TJP couldn't set themselves up on offence while White Haven were enjoying every possession as they dominated in every department of the game to score at will. White Haven had opened up an unassailable 57-19 lead heading into halftime as they cruised to the lopsided victory.

"The guys were having fun and at the same time staying focus despite leading by a huge margin," said Erwin Velez, head coach of White Haven, after the victory. "If the team continues to play like the way they have shown tonight (Saturday), I think that we stand a chance to make it into the final," added Velez.

The ex-Philippine Basketball Association player mentioned that it was the team's great teamwork that brought them the victory. "They know how each other plays. They know where to run and also to pass. With a few more adjustments, I believe we have a good chance," said Velez.

When asked on what kind of message he was hoping to send out to the other teams, Velez replied: "I told my players that we have to be serious at all times and stay focus in the game. We just want to gain the respect from our opponents and hopefully we managed it tonight (Saturday)."

In the earlier game, OSP left it till late to defeat International School Brunei (ISB) 47-37 in the Under-18 category.

Welfred Phang led OSP with 15 points while Wilson Lau topscored for ISB with 16 points.

Organised by the BBA, a total of 15 teams are competing in the Under-18 category of the tournament. Group A comprised of Stars, POXIO Re-Mix, Easyway Delima, ISB and OSP while Group B are made up of Knights, TSB, Recon Bullets, BliTz and New Plus Optical. The teams in Group C are QQeStore, HHY, Rangers, Phils Trading and Blackjack.

The Under-23 category will see 11 teams contest for the championship with White Haven, TJP, Easyway Bunut, Selangan, SOON and SKK making up group A. Meanwhile, Group B comprised of Ago go Salon, Seri Bangar Temburong, Easyway Qlap, TTLO and Pyrogen.

The competition continues today with Recon Bullets taking on BliTz at 7pm in the Under-18 category followed by Ago go Salon going up against Seri Bangar Temburong at 8.30pm for the Under-23 category.

The Brunei Times