S18 - Round 2 - Fallen of the elites : SLZH & Lycans out of Tournament
Nobody expected this, but it happens.
Struggling within rebuilding process, SLZH has taken a step backward on this season, and also resulted for their narrow defeat from Singapore FC 89-82. Their meltdown started after the tight first half, which Zlatan Eltrin from Singapore FC started to hit jumper all around the floor for 14 pts in 3rd quarter. The rout continues at 4th quarter as SLZH unexpectedly looked shaky on executing their offense with their new Chinese bigman Cheung Jung Kook, which chemistry still looked like oil and water with Eldegez Abilow (zero assists). Eltrin finally finished his night with a long jumper for his 47pts, ending the game 89-82.
Meanwhile at Lycans Arena, Saung Hnin Pwint showed their real form, and after able to frustate FSX, they pulled away in the 4th quarter for 74-61 win. The key victory were the 2/3 zone defense which designated to kept the SGP best bigman out of the painted area. It worked for some reason for SHP, and they're lucky to advance to the 3rd round. Yulian Tabakov led SHP with 16pts and 7rebs. Yeo Teck Seng led Lycans with 19pts. FSX was held to 10pts.
FutureSG, league II elites, have no problem to shutdown Black Diamond 92-69. Black-D, with the departures of Lim Shi Xin, have little weapon to fight against the bigman stacked FutureSG, hence relied on Jakub "Danny Granger" Polewski, who scored 24pts and 7rebs. Local SGP Soh Qiang Leong led FutureSG with 19pts & 16rebs.
Round 3 highlights :
1. SingSing82 (SBBL - rank 15) @ Esplanade BC (SBBL - rank 12)
Both team are the most improved on SGP league, and expected to prove how far they can go on this Tournament. EBC, who just brought in Taiwanese giant Yue Chi Cuong, might proved too much for SingSing82 if they choose to release their best lineup.
2. Pekanbaru Jaguars (SBBL - rank 1) vs Requiem Of Dream (Div 2.3 - rank 24)
Once a strong team on last season, ROD has been making big jump on their country ranks. Pekanbaru Jaguars has rival cheesecake on their league schedule next week, so expect Jaguars to rest some key players, which might make this match interesting to watch.
3. Eric United (SBBL - rank 3) vs Bobblehead (Div 2.3 - rank 20)
It could be ugly for EU, especially of their visit to SHP and battle Sessioes Doers on their league games, forced them to rest some key players for the Tournament. Bobblehead is the Dark Horse on Tournament game. Expect them to go wild on this game.
4. Whampoa Allstars (Div 2.1 - rank 10) vs Compassvale United (SBBL - rank 24)
Much of the rematch of last season Relegation. Time for revenge for Whampoa.