By Kelvin Goh Wong

The team from Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR) showed all shades of ferocity as they took the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) apart, 89-46, making up for their previous lacklustre performance against Multimedia University (MMU)in the University College Basketball League (UCBL).

UTAR jumped out to a commanding 16-6 lead in the first five minutes of play, thanks to former Kelantanese state player, Nick Khai Han, who capitalised on a shooting streak early in the game.

Nick was perfect from the 3-point perimeter sinking three out of three shots from beyond the arc, scoring a total of 17 points in his 21 minutes on the floor.

UTAR also took advantage of the fact that IIUM is playing without Mohamed Toure, suffocating IIUM with their defence, allowing only six points in the second quarter.

IIUM tried to mount a desperate comeback in the second half, led by their Canadian based player Ali but it was all too little too late.

Another game saw favourites INTI International University outplayed by HELP University College, 62-49.

Despite having the physical advantage and a deeper roster, INTI, powered by their Cameroonian students, failed to quench the fire of HELP's Nigerian dynamic duo, Micheal Ongheneme and Ahmed "TP" Abimbola.

The score line was close at the end of the first half as HELP only held a four point lead going into the second half. However, INTI's big men had trouble keeping Ongheneme and Abimbola in check as they got into foul trouble early.

It was the foul trouble and some terrific defensive efforts by HELP that extended the lead to as high as 20 points, nearly erasing any hope of an INTI comeback.

Ongheneme was the general that orchestrated the downfall of the favorites with nine assists as Abimbola scored a game high 21 points. The Nigerian duo have solidified their position as the most lethal one two punch in this year's tournament.

They rode their momentum into last week where HELP pulverised Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC) 113-46 with Ongheneme and Abimbola once again causing all sorts of havoc as the KLIUC team failed to cope with HELP's offense.

This emphatic win has placed HELP at the top of the table as well as made them red hot favourites to win the competition.

The UCBL is jointly brought to you by Admiral Sportswear and Revive Isotonic and is set to continue this Sunday at UPM Indoor Basketball Court from 2:00pm to 9:30pm.