By Joseph Francia, Special to Arab News
JEDDAH, 30 November — Laguna Lakers defeated Pampanga “Mequeni” Dragons 72-70 in a keenly-contested match of the Community Basketball Club Tournament at the El Khereji sports ground last week.
The event sponsored by SEIKO, PEPSI, Bugshan Est. This tournament is an extended affair of the Community Chess Club along with scrabble, dart, angling and muscle clubs. (Another related CCC forthcoming project is the 3rd Jotun Paints 2002 Active Chess Event, the unique nature of this tournament is free of registration and entrance fee plus free meal. Trophies and prizes are at stake). Both consisting of top key players for the EKC selections. As the buzzer rang the Dragons came out strong taking an early lead. But the Lakers offensive led by team captain Ronald Batarao and playing coach Chie Castro managed to catch up and end the first half leading 35/32.
The final half started with Lakers’ Chie Castro pumping jumper from both sides but were answered by the charging Rhenz Chao of the Dragons. A ding-dong battle continued until the final minute as Jhun Punongbayan And Joko Elomina combined forces in securing much needed rebounds thereby putting the Lakers in the driver’s seat.
The last 6 seconds was the most crucial period with the Lakers leading 72-70 but the Dragons having the ball possession. In a do-and-die situation the Dragons hoped for equalizing the score by collecting a foul for possible charity shots. As the game resumed, Darwin Domingo took the inbound on the right side and aimed a jumper, but the brilliant Lakers’ forward Abhet Santos prevailed in making a clean block on Domingo’s attempt and took the ball possession until the final buzzer.
In another thrilling game between Negros Slahers and Cebu Gems.
In a low-scoring match, Negros Slashers gained upper hand soon after the jump-off but slowly the Gems touched form to make it a seesaw battle until final seconds.
The Slashers were led by seasoned point guard Albert Beron and assisted by Richard Alcantara, playing center Terry Perena, power forward Rey Balayo and Louie Lima. Cebu Gems fight was led by forward rookie Quiogue, center J. Lakandula, Malic Basher, R. Geronimo and Gio Lopez.
The scores:
Negros Slashers: Rey Balayo 15 pts. Terry Perena 14 pts. Albert Beron 14 pts.Richard Alcantara 5 pts. Louie Lima 4 pts. Antonio Bernardo 4 pts. Dexter Medina 2 pts. Delmo 1 pt. Bong Fetil 1 pt. Dualan 0 pt. Palacio 0 pt. Llacuna 0 pt. Vito 0 pt. for a total of 64 points. Coach-Roland Guevarra.
Cebu Gems: Quiogue 17 pts. Malic Basher 12 pts. J. Lakandula 7 pts. R. Gromio 7 pts. Karim 6 pts., Gio Loprez 4 pts. Guevarra 3 pts. Catubig 2 pts. Mamiscal 2 pts. Abdulaziz Mackno 1 pt. Sabuero 0 pt. Pili 0 pt. Gamboa 0 pt. Laut 0 pt. Manabat 0 pt. Abdulrahman 0 pt. for a total of 61 points. Coach-Romy Viana.
Laguna Lakers: Ronald Batarao 24 pts. Chie Castro 24 pts. Abhet Santos 8 pts. Ricky Lirio 4 pts., Jhun Punongbayan 4 pts. Joko Elomina 2 pts. Maynes 2 pts. Gerry Dalisaymo 2 pts. Jerome Dulay o pt. Mario Anas 0 pt. total 72 points. Coach Chie Castro.
Pampanga Dragons: Rhenz Chao 26 pts. Darwin Domingo 19 pts. Edwin Santos 13 pts. Zamora 5 pts. Maluntag 4 pts. Guevarra 3 pts. M. Simbulan 0 pt. Alfaro 0 pt. Beron 0 pt. Refuerzo 0 pt. total 70 points. coach Eddie (Mayor) Cunanan.
