Brunei 3on3 Challenge Street Basketball Tournament

Brunei 3on3 Street Basketball Challenge is now open for registration. The tournament is organized by Lava Media Design. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and The Ministry of Home Affairs.

For more information please call at +673-2345999 or email the organizers at info@lavamediadesign.com.

Tournament Policy, Rules and Regulations can be found here.

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2011 Borneo Cup Highlights - Brunei Men's National Basketball Team

History was made when Brunei won its first Borneo Cup championship in 13 years since the start of the annual tournament. Well done and congratulations Brunei!

Courtesy of Benjamin Norman Sim.

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Sunday Basketball Club edge out Pizza Hut in thriller

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Players look on as SBC's Don
 Mordeno (R) goes for a shot
 yesterday.Picture: BT/ Dennis Lim

SUNDAY Basketball Club (SBC) delivered a 88-86 loss to Pizza Hut in their Group A battle of the FAB-Queenielin Basketball tournament last night at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Four players hit double figures for SBC in the win with Don Mordeno and Jerson Mendoze leading the way by scoring game-highs 28 points each.

Nick Ali scored 13 points while Shen Chan pitched in another 11 points for the team.

Pizza Hut's Erwin Malit contributed 27 points in the high scoring game while teammates, Sherwin Claros and Jerosar Dorig adding 20 points and 19 points respectively in the loss.

It was a fast paced game right from tip off, with both teams trying to outhustle each other throughout the entire game.

The second quarter began with both teams deadlocked at 19 points each.

Mordeno and Lorens Angeles made it hard for Pizza Hut to execute their offence, successfully stealing ball in their own half of the court.

Both teams displayed terrific defence with most of the battle happening in the mid court.

Malit was the pickpocket for Pizza Hut and he provided the most trouble for Mordeno.

The scores were at 41-39 in favour to SBC at the end of the second quarter a slim lead that was maintained through the third stanza as well.

Pizza Hut managed to keep in contention with all of their players making shots in the game.

There was nothing in between the teams with the game entering the fourth quarter with the score line reading 62-59 to SBC.

SBC focused on running down the clock while Pizza Hut piled on the pressure.

The last 21 seconds of the game saw the scores at 87-86 with Pizza Hut still fighting, setting up for an incredible finish.

Pizza Hut had missed the chance to level the game after missing two free-throws but still regained opportunity.

They however ran into a wall as SGC managed to put up two consecutive blocks to see Pizza Hut's last attempt roll out of the rim to finally declare SGC the victor.

In the second match of the night, Amigos came out triumphant against OGS by beating them 108-92.-Dennis Lim

The Brunei Times

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Hawks snatch victory from Welflex in dying seconds

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, October 31, 2011

Picture by: BT/Dennis Lim

SERIA Haws soared over Welflex Engineering 97-94 last night in the FAB-Queenielin Basketball Tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

The match was decided in the dying moments of the game through a series of Aries Raymond Castro's free throws.

He scored an impressive 35 points for the Hawks while teammate Sonny Bautista notched another 34 points.

Welflex's Jess De Jesus and Dexter Carino scored 20 points each while Joel Vinluan added another 14 points in the loss.

The two teams played with vastly contrasting styles, the Hawks shooting their way to rack up points while Welflex charged into the paint to score on layups.

Welflex found themselves trailing 10-2 early on in the match but quickly showed that they weren't to be taken lightly.

They hustled and bustled their way to bring the game to within one point (16-15) at the end of the first quarter.

The matchup continued to be tight throughout the match and it was Welflex who led 36-34 by the end of the first half.

Spectators were kept on the edge of their seats and just when it looked like either team was going to break into a lead, the other team would respond almost immediately.

The fourth quarter started with both teams having notched 61 each.

There was nothing between the teams until the four minute mark when Hawks when on a run to build a 83-76 cushion.

Welflex would answer right back to once again level the points through Carino.

Unfortunately, that would be Welflex's last hurrah as Carino fouled out right after, along with De Jesus, Rommel Franciso, Bobby Boac and Lance Enriquez.

Vinluan would try to keep Welflex in contention and even had a chance to win the match with just 10 seconds left.

The scoreline read 94-93 to Welflex but Castro mustered up a moment of magic to win the game for his team through a late lay-up and free-throws.

In the second match of the night, Wisdom Jade Daycare Wildcats beat SGTB 97-87. The result of the third match was not known as of press time.The Brunei Times

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Darul exterminate Termicam

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Blow opponents away by a 36-point margin

NUSALAILA DARUL stamped their dominance against Termicam in their Group A Queenielin Basketball Tournament match yesterday, winning by a 36-point (96-60) margin.

Darul coach Lito Calina welcomed the win especially after his team's recent loss to Seria Hawks, adding that it was a team effort that got them the landslide victory.

"We don't have star players in the team but we have team-work, the players work well with each other. We have focused on defence from the start of the tournament and it has shown in our matches," he said.

Darul put on a show last night at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Erik Eranes led the team with a game-high 20 points while Jonel Baltazar and Denver Esteban both scored 16 points each.

Rochie Mangaya added another 13 points in the win.

Jose De Luna was the highest scorer for Termicam with 12 points to his name while Ricky Laday put in 11 points in the loss.

Both teams struggled early on in the game but gained momentum by mid point of the first quarter.

Mangaya did most of the damage for his team in the period, his passes and drives left most of Termicam's players rooted.

Darul were looking strong as they played to find the open man, moving the ball around to free up their big men to score easy baskets in the paint, a play they exploited throughout the entire game.

Termicam, on the other hand, failed to protect the ball, resulting in multiple turn overs.

They could not get a hold of the match, playing a rushed and, consequently, ineffective game.

The contrasting Darul calmly took the first quarter 23-7 and proceeded to widen their lead as the game went on.

The Termicam players eventually calmed down and made the most of their possessions but despite their efforts still trailed 47-26 by the end of the half.Termicam improved their play in the third quarter, going blow for blow against their opponents.

Darul's Esteban would respond and step up on the defensive end of the floor to put a stop to Termicam's bright moment.

Termicam was determined to not go down without a fight, playing with vigour despite being down 30 points.

The last quarter of the match began with a 72-41 scoreline and a Darul victory was now imminent. There was nothing Termicam could do but watch as Darul cruised to the win.

The second match of the night saw Amigos take down Brunei Underground 87-60.

The Brunei Times

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Hawks soar against Nusalaila Darul

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, October 28, 2011

Hua Ho Manggis take down OGS with one-point win

Sonny Bautista of Seria Hawks going for a lay-up

SERIA Hawks ensured that they would be the team flying high yesterday by successfully completing a comeback win in a last quarter scramble.

Hawks clinched a hard fought 71-68 win over Nusalaila Darul late in the last quarter of last night's FAB-Queenielin Basketball Tournament played at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Darul led for more than three quarters in the match but lost out when it mattered most.

Hawks' sudden surge and urgency in the final period did not go unnoticed, especially by Darul's players who responded by playing a more physical game which eventually led to the flaring of tempers and, consequently, the fouling out of two of their players

Hawks did most of their damage through Sonny Bautista and Marlo Lagdan who racked up game-highs of 15 points each while teammate Nel Acoba added another 14 points to the victory.

Rochie Manggaya of Darul scored a team-high of 14 points for the losing side while Jonel Baltazar managed to basket 11 points. Both Denver Esteban and Erik Eranes added 10 points each for their team.

Darul looked set to have the game in hand right from tip off.

They were the stronger side for most of the game, controlling the flow of the match and making good plays to score easy baskets.

Hawks, meanwhile, had a rough start, struggling with their shots against a tough Darul defense.

The first quarter ended 20-11 in favour of Darul.

Hawks would respond and put up more of a fight from the second quarter onwards, led by Ken A Cabanilla.

Cabanilla started the second quarter with a solo drive against two of Darul's players, a sight that soon became a constant in the game for the Hawks.

They were also playing sharper and threatened to cut the deficit but Baltazar wasn't going to let his team's advantage slip away so easily, answering the Hawks run with a three pointer to cool down their momentum.

At one point, the scores were at 32-19 to Darul but a Hawks timeout would work wonders for the team.

They would use their pace and athleticism to cut the deficit to 38-33 by the end of the first half.

The third quarter was pretty much a repeat of the second quarter, with Darul having the upper hand in terms of defence and offensive opportunities.

Darul's Esteban proved to be a wall for the Hawks as his stifling defence would ensure that his team maintained a 56-49 lead going into the final period.

Hawks would put their heads down and try for a charge in the fourth quarter, immediately going on a run to cut their deficit to just three points (56-53).

Darul still maintained their calm play but Hawks physical plays were proving to be too much.

The tables were now turned with Hawks seeing more success in offence while Darul struggled in defence.

A freethrow, five minutes from time, by Lagdan levelled the scores at 58 a-piece but also sparked a scramble among the two teams.

Both teams would trade leads from then until Darul's Roland Enriquez and Esteban fouled out.

Despite this, the result of the match was still anyone's guess with the score tied three times within the final minute until Acoba stepped up to convert from the charity stripe, giving Hawks a three point lead that they would nurse until the buzzer.

The second match of the night saw Hua Ho Manggis edged out OGS with a one-point 63-62 victory.

The Brunei Times

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Brunei basketball is in good hands

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 28, 2011

THERE is a bright future ahead for Brunei Basketball.

The national under-23 side playing under the banner of Easyway/CK Tang provided more than just a thrashing but a 112-35 demolition of Seria-based side NVP in the final of the Brunei Under-23 Basketball Tournament 2011 at the Kampung Baru basketball court in Seria earlier this month.

It is one of the most lopsided victories for a final in recent memory and it is one that foresees a bright future for basketball in the country.

They followed up that win with a tough loss to their seniors in the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament losing 65-59 in Group C.

The seniors themselves, 14 players in total, only had an average age of the 25.2 years old.

National basketball coach Kevin Reece felt that it was a win-win situation with the juniors giving the national cagers a good game.

That is exactly what the American expected and he believes that there is plenty left in the tank for the youths. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Easyway/CK Tang set final date against NVP

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, August 11, 2011

EVERYTHING is going according to the script.

Easyway/CK Tang are through to the final of the Brunei Under-23 Basketball Tournament 2011 after thrashing Giap's Nephews 104-66 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night at the Kampung Baru basketball court in Seria.

Lim Liang Wei was the team's topscorer with 25 points and Suen Chuen Shew provided a big boost with 21 points.

Three other players hit double figures with Ching Wei Ming pouring in 15 points, Ting Heng Lee chipping in 14 and Han Ming Kwang adding another 10 points in the win, setting up a final date against Seria-based side NVP.

Despite the lopsided victory, the assistant coach of Easyway Wira Pori was not exactly satisfied.

"We started slow on offence and made sloppy passes. It's alarmingly becoming our trademark start to any of our games under the Easyway/CK Tang banner, and that's something the coaching staff have been trying hard to work on," said Wira yesterday.

"I can understand for those who are new to the team's system, but after several games it's inexcusable for these players to not to have the IQ to grasp it. Same goes to the senior members for not familiarising with the new members," he added. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Goh Hock Kee Trophy enters semis stage

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, September 8, 2011

CYBERISE scored a convincing 67-47 win over BTJ in their Goh Hok Kee (GHK) Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament match yesterday at the Tutong Chung Hwa Middle School Basketball court in Tutong.

Cyberise's Chung Hwa scored a game-high 15 points to lead his team to the triumph while teammate Tan Yee Wei added 13 points of his own.

BTJ captain Siaw Ching provided the most firepower for his team with 10 points, followed by Chin Peng with eight. The second match of the night saw Chevrolet rack up another win, this time over Total with a 75-58 scoreline.

Hee Lee top scored for Chevrolet with an impressive 30-point effort. Kuo Wen of Total scored 14 points with Hpp Fatt dropping another 13 points for his team in the loss.

The semi-finals of the tournament will be played on Friday, Sept 9. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Agogo/TTGC set up final date with Chevrolet Cruze

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, September 11, 2011

A LATE rally secured them a spot in the final of the Goh Hock Kee (GHK) Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament.

Agogo/TTGC executed well down the stretch to beat Tang Boon Huat (TBH) 80-66 in the semi-finals last night at the Chung Hwa Middle School basketball court in Tutong.

The win sets them on a final date with Chevrolet Cruze, who edged Cyberise 73-70 in the other semi-final match.

Lim Liang Wei put up big numbers for a game-high of 34 points to pace Agogo and Ahmad Termizi Nordeen added 17 points in the victory.

Three players hit double figures for TBH with Kin Suen pouring in 19 points. Leong Ming Seng and Akhbar Abdul Hamid added 14 and 11 points in a losing effort.

Agogo got off to a slow start while their opponents had no trouble hitting their shots from the outside.

TBH were also moving the ball around to conserve energy as they started the game with just five players.

Agogo, on the other hand, were hampered by foul trouble with their playmaker Ahmad Termizi picking up two quick fouls in the opening period allowing TBH to take a 19-15 lead heading into the second quarter. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Brunei hoop veterans bow out in S'pore

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, September 10, 2011

IT IS game over for Brunei's veteran team in the 20th Asean Veteran Basketball Invitational Tournament in Singapore.

The 50 to 60-year-old squad finished in fifth place after a 68-35 defeat to Miri Kingsar last night in the Sept 7-10 competition.

The depleted side only had Soon Chin Long in double figures as he scored 12 points. Ho Poh San and Chu Fook Kwan each chipped in six points in the loss.

The team had kept their hopes alive after thrashing Seremban 55-35 in the morning powered by Lim Meng Ann who shot five three-pointers to finish with 15 points.

They only had less than eight hours of rest before the matchup against Miri and injuries to some key players proved too much for them to handle.

The results for the 40 to 50-year-old category was not available as of press time. Source: The Brunei Times

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Brunei hoop vets net opener in Singapore

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, September 8, 2011

BRUNEI got the 20th Asean Veteran Basketball Invitational Tournament rolling with a 58-49 win over Sawarak Senior yesterday.

The Sultanate have two teams at the Sept 7-10 competition in Singapore, with the 50-60 year-old squad's victory against the Malaysian state just the kind of motivation their compatriots in the 40-50 year-old team need when they take to the court tonight.

Lim Ming Ann and Ho Poh San paved the way with 19 points each, with four others also getting on the scoreboard at the Singapore Basketball Centre yesterday. Soon Chin Long had eight points to his name while Eng Cheong had six, Chu Fook Kwan added four and Kok Ann chipped in with two.

The team face Miri Kinsar at 7:30 tonight, where a win will see them through to the semi-final.The team in the 40-50 year-old division start their tournament tonight when they take on New Star at 8:45.

They go up against Myanmar Legend in their final group stage game at noon tomorrow. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Veteran cagers eye semis in Lion City

Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

THE national veteran basketball team have their hearts set on a berth in the semi-final of next week's 20th Asean Veteran Basketball Invitational Tournament in Singapore.

Regulars in the tournament, the country will be represented by two teams in this year's edition of the annual event which will run from Sept 7-10.

The team in the 40-50 year-old division is grouped with New City and Myanmar Legend while the 50-60 year-old squad will be going up against Filipino Veteran, Negri Sembilan, Sarawak Senior and Miri Kinsar in their pool.

Both categories are divided into two groups, with six in the 40-50 year-old division and eight in the 50-60 year-old division.

It is understood that the top-two teams in each group will progress to the semi-finals.

A third category for players 60-70 years old is also being contested though Brunei will not be sending a team.

Apart from the hosts, powerhouses Malaysia and regional giants the Philippines will also be ones to watch out for at the Singapore Basketball Centre. Also in the fray are teams from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Though the Sultanate has only been practicing for two weeks, their coach is confident a slot in the last four could be in the cards especially since both the teams ended fifth in last year's edition in Malaysia. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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GHK trophy: Boon Huat on track

Yee Chun Leong
TUTONG

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

TANG Boon Huat (TBH) kickstarted their campaign right on track last night.

They proved to be too much for their opponents after running away with an 86-68 victory over Beruncits in Group B of the Goh Hock Kee (GHK) Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament at the Chung Hwa Middle School Basketball Court in Tutong.

Four players hit double figures for TBH with Suen Chuen Shew leading the way pouring in a game-high of 19 points and Loo Zhi Hung added 17 points. Leong Ming Seng contributed 15 points and Glen Chong managed to chip in 10 points in the victory.

On the other hand, Gideon Fong was the top scorer for Beruncits while both Justin Yong and Kenny Yong added 10 points in a losing effort.

The game started out with both teams shorthanded as only five players were available. Fang Bo Yuan, who had all his eight points in the first quarter, got hot early to put his team up in front 16-10 heading into the second period. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Overweight are no slouch

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, August 29, 2011

IT WAS definitely the case of quality and experience over quantity yesterday as Overweight barged into the win column with a 71-55 triumph over Sia N Tan in Group A of the Goh Hock Kee (GHK) Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament at the Chung Hwa Middle School Basketball Court in Tutong.

Three players notched double figures for Overweight with Wong Jun Yew scoring a game-high 33 points. Sia Kow Hsiung also had a good game adding 20 points while Giap On chipped in 10 points in the victory.

Frankie Goh Huei Shiang was the topscorer for Sia N Tan with 19 points and Wong Chin Mun provided some help at the offensive end with nine points to his name in the losing cause.

Overweight jumped to an early lead, despite starting the game with just five players. Jun Yew had the hot hands for his team by scoring 10 points in the first quarter.

Sia N Tan would exploit their opponents' lack of players by implementing a run-and-gun style of play to take a 15-14 lead heading into the second quarter. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Enares just too much for Beruncits

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 28, 2011

ELSIE Sports outplayed Beruncits to win 71-41 last night at the annual Goh Hock Kee (GHK) Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament.

Playing at the Tutong Chung Hwa Middle School Basketball court in Tutong, Erik Enares not only managed to score the most points for the victors, but also more that their opponents in total with 42 points to his name.

The second match of the night saw Cyberise defeat Chevrolet 54-45, led by Rosli Said and his 15-point effort.

Chevrolet's Koh Wee Chian was able to match that score with 15 points of his own to contribute to his team.

Source: The Brunei Times

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ITB all business against Business School

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, August 25, 2011

THIS is what happens when you pit men against boys.

Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) overpowered Business School 74-22 to clinch Group C of the UBD Cup 2011 last night at the Multipurpose Hall of the UBD (Universiti Brunei Darussalam) Sports Complex near here.

It was a no contest right from the start and Alex Soon provided the most firepower to lead ITB with a game-high of 18 points.

Jeremy Fong also had a good shooting-game, scoring 16 points and Glen Chong chipped in another 10 points in the victory.

Leong Ching Onn was the only bright spark for Business School, dropping 15 points to the losing cause.

The outcome of the match was never in question, in fact a simple look at the lineup already gave away who would emerge victorious in the match.

Choo Yung Jian, who was the hero last Saturday scoring the game-winner to lead the national cagers playing under the banner of Easyway/CK Tang to a 71-69 over D'Babes/Sharks in the final of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat, spearheaded ITB's campaign. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Brunei have a bright future in basketball

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Dear Editor,

FIRST off, I'd like to thank The Brunei Times for a good and extensive coverage of the 2011 Aewon Cup. It was a pleasure to read BT's articles on the July 23-Aug 20 tournament. Keep up the good work!

Secondly, congratulations to Easyway/CK Tang — whose roster was made up of national cagers — for winning the 2011 Aewon Cup. Having said that, I must also congratulate them for their victory in the Borneo Cup earlier this month.

Two titles in a month — a great accomplishment indeed for national basketball coach Kevin Reece, who also coaches Easyway, and his players.

And looking at their perfor-mances — both at the Borneo Cup in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and the recently-concluded Aewon Cup at Batu Bersurat — I hope Reece will keep the team's core group of players intact.

The American coach 'has discovered his winning formula' — according to BT's article on Aug 7 — quoting Reece, after winning Brunei's first Borneo Cup title, as saying: "Brunei have finally got their own big three Ben Sim, Esmond Tan and Muhd Zainul (Muhd Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin), our enforcer Benjamin Lim and overall floor general Choo Yung Jian. I believe with these core players, Brunei have a bright future in basketball." Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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GHK Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament to tip off tomorrow

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

STRIKE while the iron is hot.

Local basketball fans may still be celebrating the fresh achievements of the national basketball team but the action just keeps on coming.

The national squad had recently captured both the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament and the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament.

To keep the ball rolling, the Tutong Amateur Basketball Association will be organising the annual Goh Hock Kee (GHK) Trophy Men's Basketball Tournament starting tomorrow.

The competition is held in conjunction with His Majesty's 65th Birthday celebrations and will be contested at the Tutong Chung Hwa Middle School Basketball court in Tutong.

The national basketball team, playing under the banner of Soon Lee-Easyway 'A', won the competition last year after a lopsided final demolition of Hata Rekajaya Sdn Bhd 113-53 at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Unfortunately, they will not return to defend their title this year as the organisers have decided not to allow any of the national cagers to compete in the competition.

To even out the playing field, Filipino players are also barred from competing in the tournament as well. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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The men behind Brunei's hoop kings

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

THE national basketball team is enjoying the most success they've had in recent years.

Some things may seem out of reach at first but the national squad have defied all odds to win the two trophies that have evaded them for years in the past month.

They made history by winning the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 held from August 4-6 in Kota Kinabalu. It was a long 13-year wait to lift the challenge trophy.

They continued their fine form by winning the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament thanks to a last ditch layup by Choo Yung Jian defeating D'Babes/Sharks 71-69 on Saturday.

It was the first win for the national side in the tournament stretching back to more than a decade having seen the annual tourney, held in conjunction with His Majesty's Birthday celebrations, taken by a Filipino side in previous years.

Plenty of the credit has to be given to national basketball coach Kevin Reece since his arrival to take up the position at the helm at the end of 2009 and also to the players that have stuck around to give their full commitment to training.

However, there are also those behind the scenes that have given their full backing which is essential towards the team's success. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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JIAN-pions!

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 21, 2011

THEY say speed kills. Well, it certainly killed off tradition last night at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Choo the Flash Yung Jian raced down the floor with just over six seconds left to score the game winning layup to lift Easyway/ CK Tang to a 71-69 victory over D'Babes/ Sharks in the final of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament last night.

It was the first win for the national side in the tournament stretching back to more than a decade having seen the annual tourney, held in conjunction with His Majesty's Birthday celebrations, taken by a Filipino side in previous years.

Easyway had carried a 55-49 lead going into the final 10 minutes. But Alnajer Daris, who had 12 points in the fourth quarter, helped sparked an 8-0 run that brought the match down to the wire with the scores tied at 64-64 with under three minutes to play. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Bukit Ladang too good for Aewon

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, July 29, 2011

BUKIT LADANG turned out to be an insurmountable hill to climb for the boys of Aewon.

Esmond Tan scored a game high 25 points and put on a dominant show on the boards to help his team secure a one-sided 89-58 victory yesterday.

Jong How Kiat, meanwhile, scored 17 points and Mohd Andri added 16 to pace Aewon.

Bukit Ladang got off to a scorching start with Esmond scoring almost immediately via a fast break lay up upon tip off.

Aewon was slow to find their form as they struggled to cope with Bukit Ladang's offensive prowess and tight defense.

They would however respond by bringing on How Kiat, changing the team's dimension and improving the team's play on both ends of the floor.

Despite this, Bukit Ladang still ended the first quarter with an 8-point advantage (22-14).

The second quarter saw a more even contest, but successive turnovers by Aewon allowed their opponents to assert their authority over the game.

Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Aewon Cup semis tip off

Friday, August 19, 2011

THE beginning of the week saw the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament taken to a whole new level but the stakes are now higher and the competition has definitely intensified with the semi-finals ready to tip off at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

The pundits were right from the start with the four teams D'Babes/Sharks, MK Syarikat Jazmar, Bukit Ladang and Easyway/CK Tang all through to fight it out for a finals spot today.

The opening match will serve up a head-to-head battle between the only unbeaten team left in the tournament D'Babes/Sharks and Bukit Ladang at 7pm while the second game should also prove to be an electrifying affair between Easyway/CK Tang and MK Syarikat Jazmar at 8.30pm.

D'Babes/Sharks are looking like the team to beat in the tournament and much of that can be credited to big games by Don Mordeno.

Mordeno is packed with confidence and has been shooting the ball well.

He has come up big by scoring in the clutch on many occasions but many forget that he is just as deadly when it comes to running and setting up plays for his teammates.

He is backed by Marjomar Aying at the shooting guard position and has plenty of help with Elvin Requintin anchoring the defence. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Bukit Ladang outlast Aziz Latif & Company

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, August 18, 2011

IT WAS so close yet so far for Aziz Latif & Company who suffered a heart-breaking 90-77 loss to Bukit Ladang in their second round match of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament.

The atmosphere at the Brunei Basketball Association Court at Batu Bersurat was terrific with the supporters getting their money's worth, being treated to a neck to neck match-up for a majority of the game.

Five players scored into double figures for Bukit Ladang Lim Liang Wei causing most of the damage by scoring a team high of 25 points, Daniel Chong added another 16 points.

Ho Hee Lee scored 15 points, with Jong Guo Zhang and team captain Xavier Fong scoring 11 and 10 points respectively.

Eric Eranes, meanwhile scored a game-high of 28 points for ALC.

Both A Garingal and M Ong scored 11 points while G Romero and Ronnel Sugnan added 10 points each to the losing cause.

Both teams were evenly matched from the get-go, with just a point's difference at times in the game. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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D'Babes/Sharks' Don shoots down Easyway

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

IT WAS a match whose energy and passion lived up to the fans' expectations... the scoreline however did not.

Easyway/CK Tang will have to wait just a little longer to pull one over rivals D'Babes/Sharks after falling to them 68-80 in a highly anticipated matchup of Brunei's basketball powerhouses.

Don Mordeno put on a dominating performance to lead D'Babes/Sharks in scoring with a 21-point effort at the Brunei Basketball Association at Batu Bersurat last night.

A Dark chipped in 13 points and Elvin Requintin added another 10 in the win.

Easyway captain Ben Sim put in a commendable all-round effort by grabbing seven rebounds and scoring a game high of 26 point including going eight for eight from the charity stripe. He also dished out four assists.

Choo Yung Jian also filled up the stats sheet with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks while Muhd Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin recorded 13 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Easyway was on the back foot immediately from tip-off, struggling to contain D'Babes/Sharks' potent offence and failing to break into their defensive stronghold.

The game was played at D'Babes/Sharks' pace which gave their opponents plenty of trouble, prompting national coach Kevin Reece to call a time-out.

The intermission helped to boost morale, with Choo causing chaos via acrobatic plays on both the offensive and defensive end, capped off by a three-pointer.

He also recorded an impressive block on Majomar Aying on the break, sending cheers throughout the fully-packed stands.

Despite this, D'Babes/Sharks were still the better team, ending the quarter with a 12-26 lead. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Bukit Ladang, we have a problem

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

MK Syarikat Jazmar beat Esmond Tan-less Bukit Ladang;Leones & Co take tough Group B match-up

NO Esmond Tan and this time there was a problem.

Geve Leones put up a 28-point performance to lead MK Syarikat Jazmar over Bukit Ladang 87-82 last night in Group B of the second round of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament.

Contested at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat which was filled to the brim, Leones knew what was needed to be done and the loss was the first for Bukit Ladang in the competition after five matches.

"Maybe I was lucky tonight (Monday night). I just tried to do my best and played hard but I'm not fully satisfied yet because I believe that I can still do better," said Leones in an interview with The Brunei Times after the win.

Leones has plenty of help from his teammates with Jeff Paraiso putting 18 points on the scoresheet. Noel Grafil had big shots in the game for 14 points and Erwin Velez added 10 points in the victory.

On the other hand, four players notched double figures for Bukit Ladang. Xavier Fong topscored for his team with 22 points and Presley Ho added 19 points to his name. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Maktab Duli bring their A game

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

IT WAS men against boys and in the end Maktab Duli 'A' were simply too much for Chung Ching Middle School (CCMS) of Seria at the UBD Sports Complex in Tungku Link.

Maktab Duli 'A' of Gadong tortured their opponents in the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Cup last night destroying CCMS 101-11 in Group A.

CCMS did not stand a chance from the very beginning making only one basket in the first quarter. They didn't do any better in the other three quarters, too.

Maktab Duli fought hard pressing full court at times and making steals off CCMS' set play.

Maktab Duli also attacked hard led by their point-guard Jong How Kiat.

Staying in the opponents' half was hard enough for CCMS and on rare occasions when they managed to keep the ball in Maktab Duli's half, they faced another opponent, the shot clock.

CCMS conceded the ball on various occasions from both half-court as well as shot clock violations.

The first quarter ended 22-2 and this was to continue as the match progressed.

The second quarter saw another Maktab Duli's dominance on all parts of the court making the outcome predictable. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Bukit Ladang standing tall

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 14, 2011

BUKIT LADANG once again showed that they were a tough mountain to climb as they triumphed 100-75 over Wan Sing yesterday in their Group B match of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament.

The absence of Bukit Ladang's go-to-guy, Esmond Tan, wasn't missed as six players scored into double figures for the victors Lim Liang Wei leading the way with 26 points while Ho Hee Lee and Benjamin Lim added 12 points each.

Yan Wan Fung, Daniel Chong and Wong Kim Guan all scored 10 points a piece to contribute to the 100 point score-line.

Captain of Wan Sing Joeffer Camay basketted an impressive game-high 39 points.

Talanay Allan Rodriguez and Paul Morales Ponio followed after with 14 and 10 points respectively.

Bukit Ladang started the match strongly by controlling the pace of the game, slowing down the play and decisively winning rebounds on both ends of the floor. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Nephews fall to 'A' team

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, August 13, 2011

THEY are indeed the A team.

Easyway/CK Tang edged Giap's Nephews 65-59 last night to sweep Group C of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

In what was their fourth straight win in the competition, Easyway had a balanced offence with three players hitting double figures.

Muhd Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin led his team with 12 points while Han Ming Kwang and Tony Bong added 11 and 10 points respectively in the victory.

Ting Heng Lee had a game-high of 19 points to pace Giap's Nephews and Jon Lee poured in 11 points to a losing cause.

Giap's Nephews, with national coach Kevin Reece on the sidelines, managed to put up some strong defensive efforts to take a 7-4 lead midway through the opening period.

The team, comprising of the country's under-23 national side, were covering the weak side well and boxing out to out-rebound their taller opponents to stay ahead 16-13 going into the second quarter.

Easyway, made up of national cagers, came out firing in the second, scoring six straight points while upping their game at the defensive end to score in transition. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Champions: Too Easy for Easyway/ CK Tang

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, August 12, 2011

VICTORY you say? It's more like a thrashing.

Easyway/ CK Tang buried their opponents the Seria-based side NVP 112-35 in the final of the Brunei Under-23 Basketball Tournament 2011 at the Kampung Baru basketball court in Seria last night.

Six players were in double figures for Easyway/ CK Tang last night; Hang Ming Kwang, the top scorer for the match and team, went away with 20 points while Jonathan Lee followed behind closely with 17 points.

Tony Bong and Choo Yung Jian scored 16 points and 15 points respectively while Ting Heng Lee managed 13 points and Foo Gwen Tong wrapped up the six with 12 points.

On the losing side, Kho Hao Hao scored 11 points, the only player to hit double figures for NVP. Leonard Young collected eight points for NVP.

The match was over from the very start. It wasn't a close contested final, with Easyway/CK Tang ruthless from start to finish. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Aewon stitch up campaign on a high against JCMK

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, August 12, 2011

TOURNAMENT namesakes Aewon put up an impressive showing to end their Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament campaign on a high yesterday.

Aewon triumphed over JCMK 103-79 in a match-up that was tightly contested in the first three quarters before Aewon exploded in the final stanza.

Three players scored into double figures for Aewon Kenny Lim with a team high of 20 points, Koh Wee Chian with 19 and Jong How Kiat adding another 17 points.

Justin Martinez managed a game-high 27 points and both Mohd Yusri Abdullah and Wilmar Canapi contributed 14 points each in the loss at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

Both teams came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats in a flurry of action.

JCMK was slowly pulling away, capitalising on Aewon's turnovers to score on the break.

The latter's Koh Wee Chian, however, would hit on two consecutive three pointers to keep his team in the game with a 19-23 scoreline. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Jedstar shoot into 2nd round

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, August 11, 2011

JEDSTAR advanced into the next round of the Aewon Cup 2011 Basketball Championship Tournament following another superb performance by Vincent Superio.

The 32-year-old poured in a game-high of 34 points to lead his team to a 103-96 victory over Wan Sing in Group B last night at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

"I just tried my best out there because we needed the win to see us through to the next round," said Superio in an interview with The Brunei Times on his performance in the victory.

Jessie Lamaste provided plenty of help on the offensive end with 18 points while George Castaneda and Arjay Buenaventura added 12 and 10 points respectively in the triumph.

Wan Sing also put on a balanced attack with four players scoring into double figures.

Sonny Bautista topscored for the team with 24 points and Arnold Patricio also had a good game with 17 points to his name. MV Dela Pena added 13 and Jef Camay scored 12 in the loss.

It was a difficult game for the players as well as the officials, with both teams suiting up in same coloured uniforms. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Borneo Cup: Brunei heroes have landed

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, August 8, 2011

THERE was no heroes' welcome, but they are definitely Brunei's heroes.

The national basketball team returned to the Sultanate last night and they did so with their heads held high.

They made history in Sabah after winning the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.

They finished the competition with a 3-0 win-record, ending a 13-year wait to lift the challenge trophy.

National basketball team captain Ben Sim (pic) proudly had his gold medal around his neck and he felt that the team deserved the title.

"It was a good run for us. Everyone put in the work and we deserved it," said Sim in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

Prior to their departure for the Aug 4-6 competition, national basketball coach Kevin Reece had mentioned that gelling might be the only problem for the team.

"There was not much difficulty playing together," said Sim.

"Since coach came, he has been looking for the best way to play together. We have always had the talent but it was all about organising and putting them together," he added. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Brunei's 'superhero' finally finds sidekicks

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, August 8, 2011

I ONCE wrote that even superheroes need sidekicks (pic, right). But, of course, the national basketball team are more than just a team of superheroes and sidekicks.

For years Esmond Tan arguably the best cager in the Sultanate has been playing the 'superhero' for Brunei, minus the sidekick, of course but, at the Borneo Cup in Kota Kinabalu last week, Tan finally got all the help he needed.

It was Tan's first appearance in the Brunei shirt since national basketball coach Kevin Reece took over at the helm at the end of 2009 and it was his winningest too.

Brunei made history in Sabah on Saturday when they were crowned champions of the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 in Kota Kinabalu.

They got their campaign off to a flying start defeating Borneo giants Miri 69-54 victory on Thursday.

The victory over Miri, who have won the Borneo Cup 10 times, was history itself having beaten their neighbours for the first time in 13 tries.

The national cagers continued their fine form by sweeping aside Labuan 76-47 in their second match on Friday. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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BORNEO KINGS

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Brunei basketball team win gold at Borneo Cup

THE wait is finally over. All the hard work has paid off for the national cagers, who were crowned champions of the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 yesterday.

Brunei defeated hosts Kota Kinabalu 61-41 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to clinch arguably their biggest victory ever.

It took the national side 13 years to lift the challenge trophy having already made history by beating Borneo giants Miri 69-54 in their first game on Thursday and triumphing 76-47 over Labuan on Friday at the Aug 4-6 event.

Miri, the 10-time winners of the tournament, finished second while Kota Kinabalu took third place. Labuan finished last in the four-team tournament.

Muhd Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin was the biggest factor in Brunei's win yesterday finishing with a double-double, having poured in a game-high of 19 points and hauled down 17 boards.

The duo of Esmond Tan and Ben Sim picked up their third consecutive double-doubles in as many games as well. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Reece discovers winning formula

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 7, 2011

THE gold medal shows that they fit well together.

The national basketball coach Kevin Reece has chosen the best and they yesterday delivered the goods in Kota Kinabalu as advertised.

It was a long 13-year wait, but it was finally over.

The national basketball squad are finally crowned the champions of the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 having gone undefeated at the Aug 4-6 event and much of the credit should go to Reece, who only took over at the helm at the end of 2009.

This is arguably the biggest achievement to date for the national side and the American seems to have found the right formula.

Those on the roster and making a piece of Brunei history were Ben Sim, Esmond Tan, Cavan Kong, Po Yung Hui, Kevin Tay, Kenny Lim, Choo Yung Jian, Benjamin Lim, Han Ming Kwang, Md Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin, Soon Kian Leong and Ching Wei Ming, who was the latest addition with Yap Chun Ping out with injury.

The national coach had said that the team were better than last year's side and his boys duly proved that yesterday. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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BEN SIM-ply the best for Brunei

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Captain Sim leads Brunei to another victory in KK

Sultanate a win away from gold

 

BRUNEI are just a step away from the summit.

The national basketball team led from start to finish to record their second straight win with a 76-47 triumph over Labuan last night in the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Ben Sim put up another good performance as he filled up the stats-sheet with his double-double scoring a game-high of 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The national team captain was also active at the defensive end with four steals to his name.

"I wanted gold so bad last year, but it was too bad I got injured. Since then I've been on a quest to win gold for Brunei in the Borneo Cup," said Sim in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"Now with the right attitude and players, I think we have been taking a step in the right direction since Coach K's arrival," he added. Read More… Source: The Brunei Times

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BEN SIM-ply the best for Brunei

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Captain Sim leads Brunei to another victory in KK

Sultanate a win away from gold

 

BRUNEI are just a step away from the summit.

The national basketball team led from start to finish to record their second straight win with a 76-47 triumph over Labuan last night in the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Ben Sim put up another good performance as he filled up the stats-sheet with his double-double scoring a game-high of 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The national team captain was also active at the defensive end with four steals to his name.

"I wanted gold so bad last year, but it was too bad I got injured. Since then I've been on a quest to win gold for Brunei in the Borneo Cup," said Sim in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"Now with the right attitude and players, I think we have been taking a step in the right direction since Coach K's arrival," he added.

There was plenty of help coming from Esmond Tan with his double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds including five steals.

Soon Kian Leong also hit double figures with 11 points and Choo Yung Jian provided a good boost with nine points, five steals and five assists.

Muhd Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin did a great job on the boards with 10 rebounds as well. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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It's been 13 years in waiting

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, August 5, 2011

Brunei cagers finally score one over Miri

AS FAR as unlucky numbers go, 13 does not seem to affect Brunei's basketball team much.

The national basketball squad finally put away Miri 69-54 at the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Coincidentally, it took Brunei 13 years to defeat the second largest city in Sarawak in the Borneo Tournament, finally getting their revenge for their loss at last year's 12th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament.

Last time round, Miri thrashed Brunei 67-36 in a do-or-die match, in which the winner would be crowned champion.

The loss meant that the Sultanate was forced to settle for bronze instead.

What made matters worse for local basketball fans was that said match was played on home ground at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

The defeat was the largest margin that the national cagers had lost by in the three-day competition, being outplayed in every possession. Read More… Source: The Brunei Times

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It's been 13 years in waiting

Dennis Lim
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, August 5, 2011

Brunei cagers finally score one over Miri

AS FAR as unlucky numbers go, 13 does not seem to affect Brunei's basketball team much.

The national basketball squad finally put away Miri 69-54 at the 13th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament 2011 held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Coincidentally, it took Brunei 13 years to defeat the second largest city in Sarawak in the Borneo Tournament, finally getting their revenge for their loss at last year's 12th Borneo City Men's Basketball Invitational Tournament.

Last time round, Miri thrashed Brunei 67-36 in a do-or-die match, in which the winner would be crowned champion.

The loss meant that the Sultanate was forced to settle for bronze instead.

What made matters worse for local basketball fans was that said match was played on home ground at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat.

The defeat was the largest margin that the national cagers had lost by in the three-day competition, being outplayed in every possession. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

Read more...