Minton come from behind to reach the semi-finals

On 19 September, Minton's basketball team played the semi-final of the 15th "Riying Cup" Shanghai Lawyers' Basketball Tournament against the team of Runyan Law Firm, contesting a place in the final four.

The two sides contested the game hard at both ends, and the position swung back and forth in the closing period. Trailing, Minton held its composure, fought back and scored nine points in the final minutes to win 39 to 34 and reach the semi-finals, the firm's best result in the tournament to date.

The semi-final was a contest between two strong teams. From the opening tip both sides defended intensely and the score stayed close, with each point hard fought. The game repeatedly changed momentum and the atmosphere in the arena was tense throughout. It tested the players' fitness, tactical reserves and composure, and showed the standard of play among Shanghai's law firms.

In the decisive final minutes the game turned. Runyan led 34 to 30 and a place in the next round looked within reach. Under pressure Minton did not panic or abandon its shape, and at the decisive moment the team threw everything into a final push.

Throughout the game the players worked hard and played for one another. Their refusal to give up carried them through the pressure, and their composure and teamwork steadied the game; step by step they turned the deficit around and closed out the win.

Since the tournament began, Minton's team has progressed steadily: it came through the group stage, edged into the quarter-finals and then came from behind to reach the semi-final. Every win reflected the players' effort and persistence, and the spirit they showed on court mirrors the firm's team culture.

The run continues. Reaching the semi-final is both an honour and a new starting point, and the firm looks forward to the players carrying that form into the remaining games.