Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Bucao cans winner
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sun.Star Correspondent
SPITFIRE Ronaldo Bucao sank the biggest basket of his young career, a game winning shot that hauled Tribu Sugbu to an epic 82-80 double overtime win over North division leader Laguna Springs at the New Calape Cultural Center in Calape, Bohol.
In what could be a preview of the National Championship finals, the diminutive point guard slipped past the defense of Marlon Kalaw and shot over the outstretched arms of Danny Capobres with only 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime to drain the clutch bank shot that took the Tribesmen to their eighth win in nine games.
The 23-year-old former UV Green Lancer also initiated Tribu Sugbu’s comeback from a seven-point hole in the fourth quarter, scoring six of his 10 points in the second extension period.
Bucao made a remarkable 5-for-7 shooting clip while adding two assists to his credit.
With Tribu Sugbu ahead at 80-78 in the second overtime, Springs forward Mike Garcia scored on a lay-up plus a foul to boot to tie the game for the last time. However, the former MBA Laguna Laker missed the potential game winning free throw.
Laguna had the chance to take the lead after Christian Nicdao grabbed the offensive rebound off the free throw miss of Garcia. But Ernani Epondulan missed his shot with only 25 seconds left, setting the stage for Bucao’s heroics.
The Springs had the chance to seal the game in the first overtime when Kalaw broke away but Alfie Grijaldo was there to deny the basket as the time expired.
The Skygo Motorcycle-backed Tribu Sugbo also had its chance of winning in the first overtime but Grijaldo’s fall-away jumper at the buzzer was nullified after thorough review.
The victory strengthened Tribu Sugbo’s hold of the South division and the overall leadership after a league-record six straight victories.
On the other hand, Laguna, which missed key players Rodel Manuel, Jonathan Serrano and MC Caceres due to injuries, dropped to 5-4 but still leads the tight race in the north.
Cebu (82) – Lańete 16, Sanders 13, Grijaldo 11, Bucao 10, Larong 8, Mercado 6, Gamboa 4, Tangkay 3, dela Rosa 3, Piodo 2, Galinato 2, Concha 2, Licanda 2. Laguna (80) – Reyes 17, Garcia 17, Nicdao 15, Capobres 9, Kalaw 8, Corbin 5, Epondulan 5, Mendoza 2, Roda 2. Quarterscores: 17-14; 39-35; 51-50; 68-68; 73-73 (OT); 82-80 (2OT).
(September 1, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
