UNSTOPPABLE JOHOR SOUTHERN TIGERS LAY CLAIM TO MBL 2024/25 CROWN

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 (Bernama) -- The Johor Southern Tigers were unstoppable as they claimed the Major Basketball League (MBL) Season 2024/25 championship as they won the final by overpowering Penang Sunrise Youngsters with an impressive 83-66 victory at MABA Stadium today.

Their achievement was a testament to the saying ‘fortune favours the bold’ as the Tigers showcased their dominance on the court with shooting guard, Carl Bird Jabari being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Carl, who was met by Bernama after receiving the MVP placard from the President of the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA), Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock expressed that he felt like he was on ‘cloud nine’ following the victory.

“I feel like a champion. That's what we are. We proved that we're the best team in the land, so I'm on top of the world right now. 

“I love Malaysia basketball and I don't know what the future holds. I'm just really excited to see what's next,” he said. 

He also urged his teammates to remain confident and continue striving for excellence, emphasising that each of them possessed unique talents and that nothing is off-limits if they worked hard every day. 

Meanwhile, Lee pointed out that the resurgence of the Johor Southern Tigers, who managed to defeat defending champions NS Matrix Deers in the semi-finals, was a clear indication that basketball would continue to thrive and intensify in future tournaments.

“This is the third year and this is a good development as there is a team that can finally beat NS Matrix. For me, that’s the true motivation for Johor Southern Tigers to win the final today,” he added.

-- BERNAMA