Larry Liew goes for a layup. He finished with 8 points. Photo by Jason Ng.
Singapore – The JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers opened the 2014 AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League with an astounding rout over newcomers Laskar Dreya South Sumatra 62-46 at the newly opened OCBC Arena. Former NBA player Hassan Adams led the Slingers with 21 points, while Singapore mainstay Kyle Jeffers had a solid outing with 12 points and 19 rebounds.
Paul Crosby and Falando Jones led Laskar Dreya with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Fans at the OCBC Arena were treated with a first-look at rookies Russel Low and Larry Liew as they started the game together with Adams, Jeffers, and Al Vergara. Slingers’ Hassan Adams showed veteran play early in the game as he led the team with 9 points in the opening quarter. Laskar Dreya on the other hand started rusty from the field as they only made 3 of 18 shots.
Hassan Adams led the Slingers with 21 points in the season opener. Photo by Jason Ng.
With four Singaporean players flying in from Wuhan, China at 1AM Sunday, Coach Neo Beng Siang of the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers planned for a short rotation for the game. Wong Wei Long, Desmond Oh, Han Bin Ng, and Delvin Goh represented Singapore in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup.
“I eventually decided to play them so they can get into the Slingers offense rhythm,” said Coach Neo.
Laskar Dreya tried to find form in the 2nd quarter but was limited to 9 points by a stinging Slingers defense. At halftime, the Slingers held onto a 32-17 lead over Laskar Dreya.
Larry Liew showed flashes of brilliance in the 3rd quarter as he scored off a three pointer and a dizzying spin layup. “Larry is one of the Singaporeans we are excited about this year. We hope that he can play as consistent in the upcoming games,” said Michael Johnson, General Manager of the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers.
ASEAN Import Gayford Rodriguez did not see playing time due to an ankle injury.
The JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers host the Westports Malaysia Dragons on Sunday, July 27, at the OCBC Arena. Tip Off time is 4PM. Tickets are available thru Sports Hub Tix.
Box Scores:
JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers 62 – Adams 21, Jeffers 12, Larry 8, Qingde 6, Desmond 5, Delvin 4, Vergara 4, Wei Long 2, Han Bin 2, Russel 2
Laskar Dreya South Sumatra 46 – Crosby 14, Jones 12, Suhandy 4, Joni 4, Sabara 4, Prasetyo 3, Anggara 2, Junaedi 2, Uneputty 1, Kuntara 0, Wilopo 0, Susanto 0
Quarter Scores: 21-8, 32-17, 50-33, 62-46
Al Vergara is back with the Slingers to provide leadership in the Guard position. Photo by Jason Ng.
