NS Matrix can count on their ‘heart and soul’

PETALING JAYA: NS Matrix coach Jeff Viernes believes that Ting Chun Hong and Wong Yi Hou are the heart and soul of the team in the ongoing Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The 26-year-old Chun Hong and Yi Hou are regulars with Matrix and have been instrumental in their challenge thus far.

The duo complement each other well and had steered the team to win five successive titles – the Piala Harapan Basketball Tournament in July, Malaysia D-League in August, Malaysia Games (Sukma) in September, Major Basketball League and the Agong Cup last month.

In the first leg of the ABL, Chun Hong was named player of the match against Macau Black Bears and Zamboanga Valientes.

Jeff lauded both players for their commitment and determination.

“Chun Hong and Yi Hou have been playing important roles for us in the past and now they are doing the same at the ABL.

“They are very committed and always bring out their best in every game,” said Viernes.

Only the top four teams in the overall standings after four legs will advance to the playoffs. Matrix are currently fourth with two wins and two losses.

Viernes believes they are currently in the safe zone but he remains cautious as they open their second-leg campaign against hosts Louvre Indonesia at the Hi-Test Arena in Batam today.

“We’re still in a good position but anything can change after a bad game.

“Every game is important, so we need to stay focus. I expect the hosts to up their game as they are playing in front of their fans.

“We need to play hard throughout the game, we cannot afford to be complacent,” added Viernes.