On January 13, Saturday, the Tiong Lian basketball competition’s elimination round began. In this competition, 7 Chinese schools are pitted against one another, all aiming to win the championship and prove the superiority of their basketball skills. At 5:00 PM , Xavier School (XS) played its first game against the Tiong Lian’s host school, Chang Kai Shek (CKS). Both teams made the finals of last year’s competition.

In the first quarter of the game, Xavier scored the first point but immediately witnessed the awesome skill of the Chang Kai Shek team. CKS scored basket after basket, prompting the Xavier team to put more effort into its play. Eventually, the quarter ended with Chang Kai Shek at 19 points and Xavier at 9.

After a moment’s rest, the second quarter began with even more energy. Compared to the previous quarter, the Stallions were able to sink in more shots and eventually caught up with their formidable opponent. After a while, however, Chiang Kai Shek was able to rack up a lead of 5 points. The 2 nd quarter ended with with 34 points for Chaing Kai Shek, and 29 for Xavier.

With halftime came the uplifting cheers. The schools' respective cheering squads electrified the audience with their creative performances.

Both schools returned from the break refreshed and with renewed spirit. To Xavier’s dismay, however, CKS came back full force and achieved their highest lead in the third quarter. Finally, the quarter ended with Chang Kai Shek at 55 points, and Xavier at 43.

The fourth quarter began with much pressure for the Xavier Team. Like in the 2 nd quarter, the Xavier team stepped up and was able to sizably lessen the lead of the opponent. Unfortunately though, the Stallions’ display of fighting spirit was not enough to conquer the formidable foe. Chang Kai Shek was able to maintain a lead throughout the quarter, bringing the game to a close with a final score of Chiang Kai Shek 69, Xavier 62.

Although it was unfortunate for the Xavier Team to have lost the first game of the series, the Stallions’ fighting spirit remains strong, unconquered and ready for the next encounter.

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