NFPS (New Filipino Private School) Patriots applied a stifling full court press in the third quarter to surprise the taller VISS players and forge a convincing 32-23 win in Week 3 of the NSL Basketball U16 category at the Victoria International School of Sharjah.

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The game was nip-and-tuck in the first two quarters with VISS controlling the inner lane and taking a one-point advantage, 8-7, at the end of the first quarter before NFPS took the lead in the second frame, 11-9. 

NFPS could not match VISS in terms of height but they pulled away in the third  after implementing a trapping defence.

“We have a height disadvantage but we’re faster and we’ve got good guards,” NFPS coach Aris Peralta told Sport360°.

“The only way for us to win was to pressure their (VISS) point guard so the ball will not reach their big guys and we surprised them with our defence.”

NFPS established their biggest lead in the third period, 25-15, after Eric Pancito and Kin Rosales combined for three triples.

VISS held a short rally in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to five points, 23-28, but NFPS held on to their lead to secure their second win in as many games.

Peter Thomas Ebora was adjudged best player of the match after posting 12 points and grabbing five rebounds. 

Elsewhere, VISS U14 team also suffered a setback after going down in the hands of ENS (Emirates National School) 23-18. Mathew Manoj led ENS with 11 markers and got much support from Roshan Thomas who added six points to his 10 rebounds. 

Meanwhile, NFPS Patriots U14 team chalked up a win after PAK Hawks failed to show up for the match.