KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 16): Sarawak\u2019s men\u2019s basketball team got off to a flying start in their Sukma campaign yesterday when they outplayed Pahang 87-54 in a Group A match at MABA Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team coached by Yong Kian Ann raced to an early 6-1 lead but Pahang gave chase and led 8-6 at one stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Bong Zhi Long and Xavier Jong Yu Kai led the team to score 10-0 to retake the lead 25-11 at the end of the first quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The start of the second quarter saw a stalemate in the first four minutes where both teams failed to score any point until Tiong Ing Kun finally sank a three-pointer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, a lapse in the Sarawak defence allowed their opponents to gain five points and the second quarter ended with Sarawak leading Pahang 50-16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the breather, Sarawak changed strategies and tactics to stretch their lead to 67-33 at end of third quarter before wrapping up their first victory with a 33-point difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yong was satisfied with the team\u2019s performance, saying that they had played well to instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur team had set a target in this Sukma and the players went all out in the match and played well, as we are well prepared for the challenge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarawak will next play Penang today, while the women\u2019s team will open their campaign against Melaka in Group A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n