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Kuk Thew/ABL |
By Dugout Philippines
SINGAPORE--Coming into the ABL semifinals as the third seed, defending champion Hi-Tech Bangkok had to start its playoff bid against second-seeded Singapore on the road.
Hi-Tech Bangkok passed the acid test.
Hi-Tech Bangkok survived a down-the-wire finish and held off Singapore, 73-70, at the OCBC Arena on Sunday.
Hi-Tech Bangkok appeared to be heading to a stunning blowout away win after opening an 18-10 cushion in the first quarter, but Singapore managed to get back and turn the match into a close one at halftime.
Hi-Tech Bangkok again tried to pull away at the start of the third period, rebuilding a seven-point cushion, 40-33, but Singapore countered anew and would repulse further scoring blitz from the visiting squad.
Singapore finally bore fruit from its counter-rallies as the team finally led, 65-62, with 6:19 left in the game to the delight of the home crowd.
But Hi-Tech Bangkok answered with a 6-0 run to retake the lead, 68-65, with 3:50 to go.
Both teams then went to their defense that slowed down the scoring entering the last two minutes.
Singapore had a golden chance to take the lead in the final 1:24 of the game, but Xavier Alexander missed two crucial free throws and Justin Howard also muffed his field goal tries.
Bundit Lakhan stretched Hi-Tech Bangkok's lead to three, 73-70, with ten seconds remaining after he swished in his two charities.
Kris Rosales tried to force overtime, but he missed his triple and Steve Thomas grabbed the rebound to silence the pro-Singapore crowd.
Chris Charles led Hi-Tech Bangkok, which can secure a return trip to the finals at home on Friday, with 22 points, 19 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal.
Hi-Tech Bangkok barely felt the absence of Tyler Lamb as Patrick Cabahug made a timely return and contributed 13 points, one rebound, one assist, and two steals.
Rosales converted 24 points while adding three boards and a takeaway for Singapore.
Box Scores:
Hi-Tech Bangkok 73-Charles 22, Goldstein 14, Cabahug 13, Thomas 8, Lakhan 6, Piroon 4, Jaisanuk 4, Kongkum 2, Lertlaokul 0
Singapore 70-Rosales 24, Howard 12, Alexander 9, Wong 7, Wu 5, Goh 3, Kewk 0
Quarterscores: 18-14, 37-33, 58-52, 73-70
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