KUALA LUMPUR: The Kelantan Warriors clinched their first Malaysian National Basketball League (MNBL) title after stunning defending champions Farmcochem of Perak 78-58 in the final at the Maba Stadium on Sunday.
Anchored by American imports Jonathan Kreft and Devon Sullivan, the Warriors held off Farmcochem for a 24-13 lead.
With experienced John Ng, Wong Wee Seng and Wee Chuan Chin playing key roles, the Warriors superbly shut down Farmcochem’s two main men – captain Ooi Ban Sin and Chris Kuete, the season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Cameroonian forward Kuete, who had a game-high 18 points, did his best to lead his team to stage a fightback in the third quarter. But they wasted possession too often and eventually the Warriors settled for a comfortable but well-deserved victory.
It was a tournament to remember for Sullivan as he picked up the final’s MVP award. He contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds while Wee Seng chipped in with 14 points.
The win was extra sweet for Wee Seng, Chuan Chin, John and Chee Li Wei as it was their second title this season. Last month, they helped Malacca win the Agong Cup.
Warriors coach Goh Cheng Huat was delighted with the win, saying playing without pressure was a key factor to their success.
The Warriors only managed to reach the semi-finals as the fourth-ranked team with a win-loss record of 3-5.
“Making the final was already an over-achievement and my boys relaxed a little as the pressure was on Farmcochem to perform,” said the astute veteran coach.
“During the league, we never had a full strength team and that was why we had such a poor record.
“But John joined us during the Kota Baru leg and that steadied the ship a bit.
“As for the final, we started off strongly and we managed to shut down Ban Sin and Kuete. It was crucial to our victory,” added Cheng Huat.
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