The game started slow for both NTU and SIM for the first eight minutes due to a lot of turnovers.

SIM entered the court with a standard 6-0 defence while the champion team chose the staggered 6-0. On the offensive side, SIM prioritized on close 6-metre shots to increase goal-converting chances. NTU made full use of their skills and speed advantage and went with breakthroughs, quick waves, fast breaks and a couple of 9-metre long-shots.

NTU managed to play with great chemistry and fluidity. One instance, Captain Rose Tan was able to lure the SIM defence off their line with her shooting prowess while looking for a pass to her fellow pivot, Anna Soo, who exploited the gap, created for a 6-metre shot at goal.

The inexperienced SIM, did outplay themselves as compared to their opening game, but just wasn’t enough to hold back the powerhouse team. They only managed a 13-5 deficit at the 30th minute mark. The defending champions continued to steamroll past their opponent to a 30-8 win, putting them one win closer to retaining their title.

“The final match against NUS would be an even game”, commented the NTU Captain, who scored 11 goals to make her the game’s top scorer.

Both NUS and SMU started with a 6-0 standard defence. NUS offensive included breakthroughs, fast-break and long-shots from 9-metres. On the other end, SMU maintained their waves and occasional 9-metre shots. The opening minutes saw NUS take advantage of SMU’s faulty passes to convert goals and take an early two- point lead. NUS continued their relentless attacks on the SMU goal. However, their conversion rate wasn’t perfect, rendering them a lower lead. SMU had a tough time when one of their players was man-marked by the speedy Lydia Soo. SMU managed to pull a couple more goals from their wingers before ending the half with 9-3 in favour for the home team.

After the break, NUS went ahead with their offense and improved on their conversion rate that gave them a huge lead. NUS wingers did a fabulous job by scoring from tight angles. NUS maintained their “fair play” strategy up until the 50th min when the first yellow card for the home team was flashed. SMU however, couldn’t salvage the situation as the game-flow was all against them. The final 15 minutes saw NUS trying out a 3-3 defence formation; probably as an option to use for their next epic game against NTU. The margin proved too wide for SMU to catch up, and the game ended with a dominating win of 24-5 to the home side.

The showdown between both powerhouses NUS and NTU will take place on Friday, 23rd September 2011. This will surely be a highly anticipated game not to be missed.

 

Official Score

NTU – SIM:  30-8 (13-5)

NUS – SMU: 24-5 (9-3)

 

Article written by: Choo Tuck Kein