SINGAPORE - Men's basketball team captain Desmond Oh has called his audacious three-pointer from half-court in Friday night's 65-58 victory over Thailand as his "best shot" ever.
"Of course, I was lucky too," said a modest Oh, the team's shooting guard. "But it certainly ranks as one of my most important contributions to the team as it came at such a crucial period."
The stakes were definitely high - a win for either team, who were coming into the match unbeaten, would ensure they avoid a semi-final tie against the Philippines, the regional powerhouses.
And with Singapore holding a slender 55-50 lead with more than three minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Oh stepped up to the plate when it mattered.
Collecting an improvised pass from his fallen teammate, and with the shot clock winding down, the 28-year-old sunk an amazing long-range lob from near the half-court line to widen the gap, as the crowd at the OCBC Arena Hall One exploded in celebration.
"I told myself before the Game started that I needed to contribute more offensively to the team, and I think I've done it," said the Kobe Bryant fan, who ended the game with a game-high 16 points. Oh has averaged double figures at the tournament, despite being known more for his defensive skills.
Having broken their 34-year-old medal drought with a bronze at the 2013 Games in Myanmar, Singapore are chasing a first ever gold in the event. They will meet Indonesia in the semi-final on Sunday.
Team manager Koh Koon Teck said it was a huge morale booster for everyone in the team to see Oh's shot find the net.
"The team has improved tremendously when it comes to their mental strength, and it was demonstrated perfectly by how they managed to hold off Thailand in a high-pressure game."
Watch the build-up to Oh's shot in all its full glory below (from the 1hr 8min 40 sec mark).
