Hi all. Sorry, kinda busy lately, so could not become NT novel writer. Hope all understand. I will briefly update what happened in these last three weeks. So, here's the summary of our NT games against China, Australia and Taiwan:
Malaysia failed again to get past to the Asian WC Qualifying SF, after falling to China, Australia and Taiwan respectively. :(
vs China (lost 62-102)
Facing the World No 2, we simply were outclassed by the Asian Giants both on paper and on the court. Therefore, a more relaxed tactics were used, to save some energies for the next two games, which were also expected to be difficult ones. Back-up players, Feriza and Mustaffa were given a rare start in this inside-oriented game. But it was our skipper, Ithnin who shined the brightest in this otherwise one-sided match. Ithnin scored 14 points and made 7 rebounds. SG, Kwu had a terrible day where he failed to make any basket at all in the 41 minutes he played. That shows how mean the Chinese defense was. Malaysia was taught a lesson in this match.
vs Australia (lost 83-109)
With 2 more games to go, Malaysia was in 4th position, same points (2 wins and 1 loss) with yet-to-meet opponents, Australia and Taiwan, but with the least score difference. Anticipating that China will cruise through to the SF with all victories, the above trio must win their remaining games to guarantee second place and book an SF ticket together with China. Looking at the fixtures, Australia seemed to have the easiest route to SF with Malaysia and UAE in the way, whereas Taiwan had still yet to meet China and Malaysia. Knowing that only a win against the Aussies would count, Malaysia had no choice but to put their best effort and enthusiasm into this match and try to create miracle. But alas, they were too strong. We tried to surprise them with outside attacks, but all were in vain due to their outstanding defense, both outside and inside. SG Kwu made amends for the disastrous show previously to down 24 points with PF Feriza also contributed 18 points, half of them from outside the D.
vs Taiwan (lost 80-110)
With the defeat to the Aussies, Malaysia were left with no options but to go for a win in the last game against Taiwan, and hoped UAE would do us a favour by upsetting the Aussies. The Taiwanese were also beaten by China in the last match and was also hoping for the same thing from the AUS-UAE match, whereas they must also defeat Malaysia in the process. Left with little or no enthusiams, the Malaysian went for broke in this last match with an inside-attack minded tactics, which was useful in our earlier match-up against Taiwan in the early rounds this season. It was however not enough this time. Their Run and Gun offense tore our Man To Man defense apart. First choice Centre Halim did a good job by netting 28 points and made 12 rebounds while SF Saidi also impressed with 22 points. The result, however, was insignificant, as the Aussies had expectedly beaten UAE on the same day. This put Malaysia unmoved in 4th position after 3 weeks of battle.
With this report, it concludes that Malaysia still lack qualities needed to advance to at least SF of the WC Asian Qualifying Rounds. More works has to be done by all local and foreign NT trainers, I'm afraid.
Off to the Consolation Tournament next season. Thank you all for tuning in.
Cheers!
Last edited by Ahmoi at 9/28/2010 1:57:14 PM