Day Seven--Continued

Spent the afternoon down at the computer mall trying to secure a $150 GST rebate for one of the players on a purchase he had made--since he didn't have time to do the paperwork. Besides, I wanted to be out of the room to give the boys a chance to nap.

Pregame rituals are different for every player and some start hours before the game. Some like to get a nap and fresh shave before the game. Some read or listen to music...and some of the guys like to read the Bible and pray. I'm learning that it is best not to interupt this schedule, but to be available to help in other ways while they get into the zone.

While running the errand and doing some shopping, I rang a friend (Lay Kuan--a CCC graphics artist who had done the AIA newsletter for us just before she returned to Singapore after a Short Term International assignment in Sydney). She had helped set up the outreach meeting yesterday, so I rang to offer her some free tickets to the game. Although she was not able to go to the game because of other commitments, she did want to get together for a chat. Since she wasn't too far from the computer mall, we arranged to meet for coffee. Lay Kuan brought along her sister and we had a great time chatting about the Kings and their family. Unfortunately, time was limited to half an hour, but I'm glad something worked out.

Back to the hotel to wake up the boys and off to the game by bus...both teams traveling together.

Good audience of over 7000 enthusiastic basketball fanatics. And great game...

Wildcats jumped to a nine point lead in the first couple of minutes and it began to look like a repeat of Darwin. But the Kings followed the game plan and gradually came back to lead by 16 points at half time--holding the Wildcats to a very low 36 points for the half. After mid-game the Wildcats ate away at the lead until they were within one point with only two and bit minutes remaining. But the Kings held fast and didn't crumble...tremendous defence and some crunch shots forced the Wildcats to foul in hopes of slowing the game clock. But the guys were hitting their free throws so the game score actually looked like a comfortable win (6 points) even though it was actually much closer.

Jason had a high scoring game at 26 points with three three pointers at clutch time. Really proud of the team. They were happy to win but gracious towards the Wildcats which was important since we had to have both teams front up to a post-game function and travel back to the hotel together on the same bus.

Went out to find something to eat after getting back to the hotel but I settled for a soft drink since I didn't want to take chances on health for trip home tomorrow. Another short stop at the hotel bar (peanuts only for me!) to celebrate with support staff, coaches, and couple of the players. When they decided to head off to another club I begged off to get a couple of hours of sleep before a 5:15 am wakeup and long flight home.

Great day...always good to travel on the back of Win.