Eng Tat Hornets survived a tense finish to edge Chong Ghee 76-73 in the Singapore NBL Division 1 on October 30, 2026. In a game that swung back and forth throughout, the Hornets made the decisive plays in the final two minutes to secure a narrow home victory.

Match Overview

Chong Ghee started brightly and led 19-18 after the first quarter, using quick ball movement and aggressive drives to keep the Hornets on the back foot. Eng Tat responded in the second period, tightening their defense and taking a 38-35 lead into halftime. The third quarter was equally tight, with Chong Ghee reclaiming a one-point advantage at 56-55 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter delivered the drama expected from two evenly matched sides. The lead changed hands several times before Eng Tat put together a decisive run in the closing minutes. The Hornets outscored Chong Ghee 21-17 in the final period, sealing the win from the free-throw line. The quarter scores were 18-19, 20-16, 17-21 and 21-17.

Key Moments

Trailing 68-67 with just over three minutes remaining, Eng Tat produced the game’s most important sequence. A corner three-pointer gave the Hornets the lead, and a steal on the next possession led to a fast-break layup. Chong Ghee called timeout, but the Hornets had seized the momentum. Another defensive stop and two clutch free throws pushed the margin to five, effectively deciding the contest.

Chong Ghee had a final chance to tie, but a contested three-pointer rimmed out in the last seconds. The visitors will rue missed free throws earlier in the quarter, which proved costly in a game decided by a single possession.

Tactical Story

Eng Tat’s full-court pressure changed the game in the second half. The Hornets forced several turnovers and converted them into quick points, shifting the momentum after a difficult third quarter. On offense, they attacked the basket aggressively and drew fouls, reaching the bonus early in the fourth.

Chong Ghee’s half-court offense was effective for long stretches, particularly when their guards penetrated and kicked out to shooters. However, the visitors struggled to protect the ball under pressure and gave up too many second-chance points. Eng Tat’s rebounding effort, especially on the offensive glass, provided crucial extra possessions.

Standout Performers

The Hornets’ perimeter players delivered in the clutch, hitting timely shots and making key defensive plays. Their captain controlled the tempo and made smart decisions in the final minutes. Chong Ghee’s interior players kept the team in the game with strong work on the boards and efficient scoring around the rim.

Both benches contributed energy, but Eng Tat’s reserves gave the team a noticeable lift in the second quarter, helping to erase the early deficit.

Season Impact

The win is a significant confidence boost for Eng Tat Hornets in the Singapore NBL Division 1 standings. It also highlights their ability to execute under pressure, a quality that will matter as the season progresses. For Chong Ghee, the 76-73 loss is a painful one, but the performance showed they can compete with the league’s stronger sides. The rematch should be one to watch.