When the Court Lost Its Light: WNBL Match Halted by Spotlight Mishap
What happened? On a calm Saturday night, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) was interrupted when a spotlight went rogue right in the middle of the fourth quarter. The incident sent the game between Radin Mas CSC and Siglap White to a sudden stop, leaving fans and players alike in a mix of shock and disbelief.
Where the Drama Unfolded
- Venue: Singapore Basketball Centre, Aljunied
- Operating body: Sport Singapore – leased to the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) for training and league matches
- Time: Fourth quarter, when Radin Mas held a 43‑37 lead
After Siglap’s Jasmin Toh missed her second free‑throw, a tipped ball inadvertently triggered the spotlight to drop by the score board. The sphere landed just outside the half‑court line—an unexpected moment that startled everyone.
Immediate Response
The referees instantly halted play and called off the match. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. BAS announced that the WNBL had been suspended pending an alternate venue assessment, with ticket holders entitled to refunds.
James Soh, BAS general manager, reassured that the incident was a mechanical failure: “Investigations began immediately on Saturday, and we are still working on fixes. About 80 people were on site, and no one was hurt.”
Impact on the Rest of the Season
- Original schedule: First and second rounds at the Singapore Basketball Centre until Wednesday.
- Upcoming fixtures: Semi-finals slated for Sunday at Toa Payoh Sports Hall, final on 27 November.
- Now: Matches originally set for last Sunday and Wednesday are postponed.
BAS is collaborating with Sport Singapore to find a suitable alternative venue that guarantees safety and minimal disruption. All activities at the centre have been temporarily suspended until the facility meets certification standards.
Why Did It Happen?
There were no warning signs before the spotlight fell. Regular maintenance had been carried out, with the most recent light check in August during the Men’s National Basketball League. The affected circuit was isolated promptly, and safety checks were conducted across all lighting points. Technical equipment and associated circuits were tested to ensure compliance with safety standards.
In short, the WNBL pause was a precautionary measure—just in case a brighter spotlight becomes a literal “slip hazard” on the court.
