Yahoo for Yi Hou! Cager realises dream of winning Agong Cup on home court

PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan basketball team captain Wong Yi Hou’s dream of winning on a home court came true after he led his men to clinch their eighth straight Agong Cup title at the Karimsa Arena in Seremban on Saturday.

Negri defeated Johor 78-67 at the new venue, which opened in June last year, and Yi Hou said it was a moment he had long been waiting for.

“I felt a sense of belonging,” said Yi Hou.

“A few years ago, we knew that we would be getting a stadium in Seremban. And now, the dream has come true.

“We won the Agong Cup in our home stadium.”

But Yi Hou admitted that Johor didn’t make things easier for them despite being in front of their home crowd.

“We definitely felt the pressure. Not only because we were coming in as defending champions but we had our home court to defend too.

“But the team stuck together and made sure we came through with the win,” said the 29-year-old.

Yi Hou also had kind words for teammate Ong Wei Yong, who, despite being not fully fit and was supposed to sit out the Agong Cup, got some minutes in in the final.

“His (Wei Yong) injury is quite serious, but we needed him at critical moments, and having him step on court in that situation is so motivating.

“He has so much experience and is a key figure in the team, and we’re grateful to have him,” said Yi Hou.

Meanwhile, Negri fans were extra delighted as the women’s team also won the Agong Cup after they defeated Johor 61-44.