Yali High School became the first girls’ team to secure a place in the semi-finals of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational after claiming its second victory of the tournament on day two of competition.
The win guaranteed Yali High School a spot in the knockout stage, while the race for the remaining semi-final berths remained wide open across both the girls’ and boys’ divisions.
In the girls’ competition, Pool C contenders Yangming High School and Watnoinoppakhun School battled through a closely contested first half before Yangming took control after the break. Yangming pulled away for a commanding 97-49 victory to set up a decisive clash against Gwangju Speer Girls’ High School, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.
The winners from Pools A and B will also join Yali High School in the semi-finals.
The boys’ tournament also tightened after Jubilee High School defeated The Velammal International School in Pool A, leaving the semi-final spot to be decided in the final pool game. Kyungbock High School and Jubilee High School will face off for a place in the last four.
The same winner-take-all scenario will play out in Pools B, C, and D, with Thursday’s matchups determining the remaining semi-finalists.
Away from the court, fans gathered at the Fan Zone at Kallang Wave Mall for appearances by basketball personalities and entertainers.
Highlights included:
- WNBA champion Lauren Jackson meeting with fans.
- The Houston Rockets Hype Squad Anti-Gravity interacting with spectators.
- NBA champion Mitch Richmond sharing coaching tips and advice with junior team coaches.
Tournament action resumes tomorrow at the OCBC Arena, with the opening games scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Courts 1 and 3.
Fans visiting the Kallang Wave Mall Fan Zone can also attend meet-and-greet sessions with Orlando Magic mascot Stuff and Taiwanese band Cosmic Angels from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Limited tickets for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational remain available through NBA.com/RSI-Ticketing.
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