Despite statistical variations, SAMURAI took a 40-11 victory in the final game before playoffs and confirmed the standing of FORCE division. SAMURAI will play against M.I.B. in three consecutive seasons in the playoffs but the first time not in a 3rd place game. Wild Beasts ranked 5th and will face SOUTHORN Tigers in the first round.

Larry Ho was the only scorer for Wild Beasts in the first period, when Michael Chan and Chi Chiu Au combined six points for a 4-point lead entering the second period.

Wild Beasts again had only one field goal and was down at 5-12 at the break. Wild Beasts shot 2-23 from the field, compared to SAMURAI’s 4-14. SAMURAI went to the line eight times in first half.

SAMURAI outscored the opponent’s whole game in just their third period, when they scored 19 points. Seven players scored for SAMURAI, which shot 8-15 in the period and made two of four free throws. Wild Beasts had no field goal but two points by Chi Kin Wu at the line.

Kim Fun Chan had two baskets in the final period to help Wild Beasts for a double-digit scoring.

Patrick Lai had six of his eight points in the final period. Michael Chan had eight points, eight rebounds, 2 assists and two steals. Chi Chiu Au also had eight points and seven rebounds.

SAMURAI forward Mark Au was scoreless but added seven rebounds and two assists. Teammate William Wong did not play for the second straight game.

SAMURAI tied their biggest winning margin at 29-point. The beat Challengers, another new team this season, in the season opener by 48-19.

Wild Beasts had only nine players on the active roster for the game and played only eight. Kim Fung Chan missed all his twelve shots before he made two in the final period. The forward-centre had a team high six rebounds, three steals and one blocked shots.

SAMURAI out-rebounded Wild Beasts 40-19.

Wild Beasts missed all 16 attempts from beyond the arc.