Hwa Chong Institution’s girls’ squad made a statement on opening day of the inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational, outlasting Malaysia’s Hin Hua High School, 69-63, in a thrilling Group A clash Wednesday at the Kallang Tennis Hub.

The match capped a high-energy opening day that featured teams from across Asia, including powerhouse schools from China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Hwa Chong jumped to an early 10-point lead in the first quarter, but Hin Hua responded with a furious rally to cut it to 2 by halftime. In the end, it was the Singaporeans who held their nerve, thanks to the offensive trio of Chrystal Joe, Kong Qian Ya, and captain Madelin Lock, who combined for 43 points.

“Our team spirit really pushed us together,” said Kong Qian Ya, who was instrumental in both ends. “We wanted to show who we truly are. We stayed calm, even when they came close, and just worked together.”

The win was part of a larger curtain-raiser to the NBA’s first-ever regional high school tournament in Asia, with Singapore fielding three boys’ teams alongside their girls’ representatives. While the boys’ squads from United World College South East Asia Dover and Anglo-Chinese Junior College showed fight, they fell short against stronger and taller opposition.

Meanwhile, Tsinghua University High School (CHN) overcame a fast Thai start to beat Watnoinoppakhun School (THA) 74-60 in the first girls’ match of the day, led by second-half poise and consistent shooting. In the boys’ side, Yongsan High School (KOR) routed Assumption College Thonburi (THA) 84-28, while Tsinghua University High School’s boys dominated Jubilee School (IDN) 78-53. Fukuoka University Ohori Senior High School (JPN) also impressed in a physical win over Anglo-Chinese JC, 82-41.

The event’s Opening Ceremony featured basketball icons including Yao Ming, Lauren Jackson, Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, and Keisei Tominaga, drawing huge excitement from the crowd as Yao presented the Building Ball Trophy to officially start the competition.

The NBA Rising Stars Invitational continues throughout the week, streaming live on its official YouTube channel, with match results and ticket info available at NBA.com.