Negeri Sembilan Crush Sabah U21 98–55 in Malaysia MABA Cup Blowout

Negeri Sembilan delivered a dominant performance on July 20, 2026, overwhelming Sabah U21 with a 98–55 victory in the Malaysia MABA Cup. The matchup, held at a neutral venue, showcased the gulf in experience and firepower between a seasoned side and a youthful opponent.

Game Summary

Negeri Sembilan wasted no time establishing control, racing to a 28–12 lead after the first quarter. Their full-court press forced Sabah U21 into repeated turnovers, which translated into easy transition baskets. By halftime, the margin had ballooned to 52–24. The second half followed a similar script, with Negeri Sembilan’s starters resting early as the bench players maintained the intensity. Sabah U21 fought hard but lacked the offensive options to mount a serious comeback, shooting just 32% from the field and committing 24 turnovers.

Standout Players

• Negeri Sembilan – The team’s veteran point guard recorded a near triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists, and 8 steals, dictating the tempo from start to finish. Their power forward dominated inside, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Five players scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s depth.
• Sabah U21 – The young side’s shooting guard managed 16 points, including three three-pointers, but received little support. Their center grabbed 8 rebounds but was limited to 6 points due to constant double-teams. The U21 squad showed flashes of promise but clearly needs more seasoning against senior competition.

Turning Points

Two decisive runs defined the game. Negeri Sembilan opened the second quarter with a 15–2 surge, effectively ending any hopes of a Sabah comeback. Later, a 10–0 spree in the third quarter pushed the lead past 40 points, allowing the coaching staff to empty the bench. Sabah’s inability to handle pressure defense was the critical factor; they scored only 6 fast-break points compared to Negeri Sembilan’s 34.

Tournament Context

The Malaysia MABA Cup is a key domestic competition featuring teams from across the country. Negeri Sembilan entered as one of the favorites and improved to 3–0 in group play, positioning themselves for a top seed in the knockout stage. Sabah U21, still developing, fell to 0–3 and face an uphill battle to advance. Despite the lopsided score, the experience gained against a high-quality opponent will benefit the young Sabah squad in the long run.