NS Matrix seal BCL Asia spot after beating Prawira

PETALING JAYA: NS Matrix Deers have booked their spot in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Asia after winning 91-87 against Indonesia’s Prawira Harum Bandung yesterday.

Both teams were tied in points heading into the third and final fixture with NS Matrix in second and Prawira in third in the group, with the winning team going through to the BCL Asia.

They came out the gates strong as they maintained a steady lead in the first quarter, then extending their lead in the second quarter to 48-35 before heading into half-time.

But Prawira weren’t going to let the win slip away on home ground so easily as the team launched a comeback, closing the gap to 58-54 before the third quarter ended.

Prawira turned on the jets in the fourth quarter and with just 10 seconds to go, evened the scoreline at 76-76, forcing the match into overtime.

The NS Matrix kept their composure in extra five minutes, and eventually closed out the game to see them qualify for the BCL Asia, expected to take place in June.

They will now make their way to the second round qualifiers after finishing third in Group A and winning 96-93 against Hi-Tech Basketball Club from Thailand earlier this month.