21/08/2022
In an absolutely nail biting finale, it was NS Matrix coming through in the end with the 47-43 win over the top seed Johor Southern Tiger Basketball Team, earning the honour of being the first ever Malaysia D-League Women’s champions.
With Johor Tiger missing Tan Sin Jie, NS Matrix had the better first quarter as Hin Jia Wei struck seven points to help them to a nine point lead at the end of the quarter.
Koh Hui Ling’s three broke Johor Tiger’s seven minutes spell without a point, starting a positive run leading to a Khu Qian Qian’s three reducing the lead to five at the 6:18 mark.
Although Sammi Tan and Hin Jia Wei’s baskets stretched the lead back to 11, Johor Tiger utilised their full court press to cut the deficit at the half to seven thanks to Teo Shi Ni’s four points.
NS Matrix started the third quarter with a 7-0, establishing a 14 point lead, threatening to run away with the win.
Johor Tiger did not waiver and through their veterans, Yong Sin Lu and Tan Yin Jie began a comeback run late in the quarter.
Yong Sin Lu scored four points and dropped two assists to Tan Yin Jie who scored five to reduce the deficit to eight going into the final quarter.
Johor Tiger kept up their push and through Yong Sin Lu’s intense defence and several steals, managed to cut the lead to one at the 3:50 mark after a Yong Sin Lu basket.
It was a frantic finish as NS Matrix failed to convert their free throws allowing Johor Tiger opportunities to tie the game.
Unfortunately for Johor Tiger, Khu Qian Qian and Koh Hui Ling could not take their chances and Hin Jia Wei went on to sink two free throws to give them a four point lead with 4.2 seconds remaining to clinch the championship.
The Finals MVP was none other than Hin Jia Wei with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
It was a valiant effort by Johor Tiger without their key player Tan Sin Jie. Their top performer today was Yong Sin Lu with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 8 steals.