TBSL Round 6: No surprise as #1 PEA defeats Malaysia Matrix

Xavier Dupree

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

TBSL top team - PEA (5-2) added another victory to their record on Saturday. This time they beat seventh ranked Malaysia Matrix (2-5) 94-86. PEA looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American forward Xavier Dupree (206-94, college: Houston) had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Danai Kongkum (193-85) chipped in 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Malaysian center Chun-Hong Ting (193-96) with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Malaysia Matrix's coach Brian Lester rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. PEA have an impressive five-game winning streak. Despite that victory PEA went down to third position due to points difference, which they share with Luang. Malaysia Matrix lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with SWU and Pilipinas. PEA is looking forward to face league's second-placed Kabayan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Malaysia Matrix will play against Pilipinas (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Hitech (6-1) played at the court of 5th ranked Pilipinas (2-5). Hitech did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 106-88. American power forward Christien Charles (216-81, college: Villanova) notched a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds to lead the effort and Avery Scharer supported him with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. Even a double-double of 34 points (!!!), 14 rebounds and 4 assists by American center Raymond Miller (204-88, college: CS Fullerton) did not help to save the game for Pilipinas. Hitech have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kabayan. Pilipinas lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with SWU and Malaysia Matrix. Hitech will play against Luang (#4) in Laos in the next round. Pilipinas will play against Malaysia Matrix and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Fourth ranked Luang (5-2) crushed at home 6th ranked SWU (2-5) by 30 points 101-71, which is the biggest margin this round on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was Nouchan Thavong who scored 29 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Rashad Ali who recorded a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Luang have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with PEA. SWU lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with five games lost. They share it with Malaysia Matrix and Pilipinas. Luang will meet league's leader Hitech in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. SWU will play against Adroit (#5) in Singapore and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 6 bottom-ranked Adroit lost to Kabayan on the opponent's court 66-76.