After two different lopsided first-half periods, the defending champion Trojans closed out M.I.B. in the second half behind nine points from Patrick Tse and eleven points, all in the final period, from Michael Lau. M.I.B. gave up a close game as they were beaten 45-27 in a third straight loss.

Jefferson scored the first two points in the game, which turned out to be the lone basket for M.I.B. in the first period. Trojans’ centre Sunny responded by making both jumpers he attempted, and the team continued to score as they used a 15-0 run to close the period.

The second period showed how good the M.I.B. could play, or, how bad the Trojans could collapse.

Bryan Lo came off the bench and scored 8 of his 10 points for the night in the second period, mixed with four points from Jefferson Tong. Wallace Wong made another two and capped a 13-0 run and tied the game.

Franky Hui scored the only two points for Trojans for a two point lead, before M.I.B. centre Thomson Hui was fouled as the time expired. The centre missed both shots and complained to the referees, saying the Trojans bench were chanting “air-ball”.

They exchanged a few words but no further action was taken.

Patrick Tse hit a free throw and put Trojans to a 22-15 lead. William Yim scored two points to put his team to a 24-17 lead. Adrian Chou cut it to back to five before M.I.B. gave up six points from Partick as Trojans took a eleven point lead entering the final period.

Late to the game, Michael Lau scored all his seven points in the final period. The centre added also one rebound and one steal in about ten minutes of playing.

Jefferson had eight rebounds, one assist and three steals. He tied a game-high ten point with teammate Bryan Lo.

Samson Tong was called for an unsportsmanlike foul when he pushed William Yim in the first period. The Trojans’ guard looked to have his ankle sprained but he could return in the second period.

All but one Trojans scored in the game.

M.I.B. out-rebounded the defending champion 33-26 and 13-7 on the offensive end.