POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Nantana Charoenrat
Thailand - Malaysia 60:61 (OT)
Malaysian National team secured a dramatic victory in the last encounter of the SEA Games and claimed the tournament's title. They needed to cut a 4-point halftime deficit to force overtime and then celebrate a thrilling last second overtime win. Thailand were upbeat throughout the tournament and the support of the home crowd definitely gave them wings. But it never helped as they faced their archrivals Malaysia in the last round battle. Both teams gained straight victories heading into this clash and threw everything to gain the positive result. Malaysia overcame starting pressure from the hosts and surged ahead to clinch a 16:13 lead after the first quarter. Thailand however quickly rebounded and stroke back in the second stanza. They outscored their opponents 18:11 and led by 4 points at halftime 31:27. Malaysia stood up defensively as they limited the hosts to 9 points and cut the gap by 2 points. The nervousness of the dying stages played in favor of Malaysia as they tied the scoreline and sent game into overtime. The inspiration of the last second extended into extra period as Malaysia grabbed a narrow victory at the end. Siao Foong Chow (171-F/C-76) led the winners with 21 points and 10 boards. Woon Yuen Teo (163-G-85) contributed 10 points, while Suik May Kew (172-F-82) added 8 points and 6 boards for Malaysia. Supane Ludrodkig (172-G-79) answered with 13 points for Thailand. Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) delivered 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Nantana Charoenrat (175-G-77) had 10 points in defeat. Malaysia outrebounded the hosts 39:30 and forced those to 22 turnovers. Both teams lacked accuracy from the field. Malaysia converted 29% of field goals, while Thailand posted only 22% of their attempts.
Thailand: Supane Ludrodkig 13, Naruemol Banmoo 10+10 boards, Nantana Charoenrat 10
Malaysia: Siao Foong Chow 21+10 boards, Woon Yuen Teo 10, Suik May Kew 8
