Speed, court craft carry City University
City University of Hong Kong, proving speed is mightier than height, defeated the University of Hong Kong (HKU) 50-49 to win the women's 2004 Hong Kong basketball championship at MacPherson Indoor Stadium.
HKU centre Lam Yui, who stands 1.76 metres, dominated the boards and caused problems for City University defenders.
To counter HKU's size advantage, City University used their speed and craftiness, employing a full-court press and helping out almost every time Lam had the ball. 'We were faster than them,' City University captain Chan Wing-kwan said. 'We were able to put good pressure on [Lam Yui].'
City University, who trailed by four points at half-time, led by as many as six in the second half by capitalising on fast breaks.
With less than three minutes left, Chan embodied this philosophy. After the guard drained a jumper to give City University a 48-47 lead, she passed to Vigo Cheung on a fast break, leading to the game-winning basket.
'[Chan is] one of the players who has mastered the skills,' coach Lai Yuk-lan said.
