NBT win opening game against Plaza Sutra Biru

Majomar Aying of NBT goes for a layup against Leslie Chia of Plaza Sutra Biru during last night's game at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat. Picture: BT/ Maui Salazar

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, March 28, 2010

BEFITTING the world celebration of Earth Hour today, the opening BBA Open Challenge Trophy game at the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) court in Batu Bersurat was delayed because of a power shortage.

When proceedings finally got underway, NBT weren't overly fazed by Plaza Sutra Biru on their way to a posting an 80-63 win in the first match in Group A last night.

It was a slow start for the favourites but Majomar Aying shifted gears early to score 20 points in the first half
enroute to a team-high of 22 points. It was his shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on four from downtown that set the tone for his team's 38-29 edge at halftime.

"It's almost like Christmas night. Everything was just falling for me. Maybe I'm just lucky," said Aying.

"I thought that the team played well with great teamwork and good defence. It's good that we managed to keep up with our opponents despite the slow start," added the 23-year-old.

Meanwhile, Geve Leones found the early going much tougher, having an off shooting night. The point guard finished with 18 points, well below his average, as he passed up driving to the hoop while he had a hand in his face most of the night.

"I was taking a chance on shooting as the other team really defended me well. Nothing was going in and I was trying to get my teammates involved," said Leones.

"Overall, I don't think we played (well).Since it's only our first game, the team will get better with time," added Leones.

Esmond Tan, vice-captain of the Barracudas last season, had a game-high 28 and Presley Ho had 18 but it was still not enough. However, Tan felt that it was the team's lack of fitness that sent them crashing to their opening defeat. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times