BUKIT TINGGI: Cager Erica Ng delivered when it mattered most, rewarding her teammates with a stellar 18-point performance to help Selangor defend the women’s basketball 5x5 title.
Selangor led by Erica took a commanding 71-38 win over Negri Sembilan at the Bukit Tinggi Basketball Hall yesterday.
For the 20-year-old athlete, her personal haul was secondary to the collective effort that powered Selangor to the title once again.
"The secret for us was our team’s defense. We didn’t allow our opponents many opportunities to catch up," said Erica.
"And my teammates trusted me with the ball many times, so I just did what I knew and put it in as many as I could."
Team captain Elaine Chong had a good day on court as well, sinking 16 points on home ground.
Competing in her second and final Sukma, Erica added that the triumph was also the culmination of long-term preparation.
"This achievement in front of Selangor fans reflects the years of hard work and planning that has gone into this team.
However, Selangor’s hope of sweeping all gold medals in the basketball events were dashed after the Negri Sembilan defeated the hosts 79-58 in the men’s 5x5 final.
Selangor had earlier defended both the men’s and women’s 3x3 event crowns.
RESULTS
Men's final: Negri Sembilan bt Selangor 79-58.
Bronze-medal match: Melaka bt Johor 79-69.
Women's final: Selangor bt Negri Sembilan 71-38.
Bronze-medal match: Johor bt Federal Territories 47-41.
