Dubai: Top-scoring Malek Al Jaber led Choueifat (ISC) to an undefeated group stage finish in a 56-30 victory over Jumeirah College (JC) in the High School Basketball Championship which resumed last Saturday.
ISC started the game with great complacency as they were held to single digit scoring in a quarter for the first time in this tournament. JC on the other hand took advantage of their opponent's lazy approach and set up a strategy to draw fouls and go to the free throw line. With this strategy, JC kept it a low-scoring affair and led the game midway through the second quarter 11-8.
After a much needed time-out, ISC came back into the game and ended the half strong with a 9-0 run to jump out in front and take control.
Foul trouble
JC continued to make ISC uncomfortable in the second half and although ISC found ways to extend their lead, their players were getting into foul trouble.
Malek Al Jaber who led ISC with 15 points and 11 rebounds was fouled out with more than four minutes to go in the game and soon his team mate and second leading scorer Bassel Awada followed him with his fifth foul.
JC's own star player Liam Wartig, who had his best game of the tournament with 13 points and 13 rebounds, was the main cause of ISC's foul trouble as he overpowered them with his inside game. Unfortunately, his efforts were not rewarded as ISC emerged eventual winners 56-30.
JC had indeed exposed some of ISC's weaknesses during this game and they head to their final group game next week full of confidence after a great effort.
