Monday, April 28, 2008 Orange squeaks past Greens in Ballpals 2008 Conference By Jaime A. Frias II
ORANGE team snapped out from a third quarter slump to squeak past Green team, 75-72, in a thrilling game opener of the 2008 Ballpals Inter-Colors Basketball League 1st Conference at Barangay 24 Covered Basketball Court last Saturday.
What supposed to be the battle of centers between the bull strong Baloy Fernandez of the Greens and Bembol Padilla of the Orange Team turned out to be a show of the fourth quarter man.
Joshua Frias, who started in the second quarter with sloppy two points and five turnovers, pulled two life-saving baskets, both inside the paint to save Orange team.
His errors allowed the Greens to ignite an 18-8 run and erased a 15-point deficit to only 36-40 at the end of the first half.
That did not end up there as the Greens gained momentum, propelled by Fernandez's under the basket shots, to snatch their first taste of the lead at the end of the third quarter at 53-51. From that on, it went to a tight seesaw fourth quarter battle.
But just as Padilla missed his jump shot attempt with 9 seconds left in the fourth canto, Frias came to the rescue as he converted an offensive rebound to a hoop to tie at 67-all with five ticks left to force an overtime.
With the remaining ticks, Jet Mark Mercado of the Green team drove for a win but found no opening until the closing moments.
"Abi namo nga pilde na mi ato kay dominant kaayo si Baloy sa rebounds both offensive and defensive. Maayo gani nga nasalbar pa mi ato," said Orange team's playing coach and Barangay chairman Dan-dan Guevarra.
For the second time, Frias pulled another surprise as he converted another offensive rebound to maintain the point advantage with 20 seconds remaining in the extension.
In what could be a chance to draw for a win or a second extension, the Greens launched a shot as both benches got thrilled. It just went in and then out that forced in a tussle in the rebound.
But the ball favored at Padilla's hands. He clipped it tightly at his hands, then ran and drove it over to the hoops as he saw a mismatch with two defenders, alleying his way and sealed the victory with only 4 seconds remaining.
"Swerte kaayo mi ato. Good nga napugngan medyo si Baloy sa lowpost," said Guevara.
Padilla and Bryan Magallanes both finished 24 and 22 points, respectively, while Frias humbled with nine points for Orange team's win.
Games will resume at Pelaez Sports Center on Friday.
