JEDDAH, 8 February — At the conclusion of the elimination round of the ongoing 2nd Danube Inter-Color Basketball Tournament, Lotus American Garden routed Danube Green Giant, 106-70 to enter the semifinal round. Needing a win to qualify outright in the semifinals, coach Bong Yapbuan’s wards controlled the game from the opening tip off. The outclassed Danube Green Giant team, playing without its playing coach, Darius Valencia, could not match the firepower of the Lotus American Garden. At the half, Lotus American Garden already led the Green Giant by 12 points.
There was no letting up for the Lotus American Garden in the second half as they continued to harass and applied tough defense against Danube Green Giant. And with their offense working effectively, the lead ballooned to as much as 36 points, leaving no chance at all for the Green Giant to recover. Lotus American Garden was led by Allen Ng, whose triple double figures of 28 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists earned for him the best player of the game award. He got ample support from Alex Sargento, Amang Catador and Johnny Pacillos who all scored in double figures. Danube Green Giant was paced by Aldrin Abutin who registered a career-high 27 points, while Alvin Laquian and Andy Mirador contributed 12 and 10 points apiece in their losing effort. With the win, Lotus American Garden joins early qualifiers Danube Nouri Trading and Danube Sadafco in the semifinals. The last semifinal seat is taken by Danube Fruto. Danube Fruto and Danube Mach3 finished the elimination round with identical win-loss record of 3-3 but Fruto qualifies to the next round by virtue of its win over Danube Mach3.
After the match between Lotus American Garden and Danube Green Giant, an exhibition game featuring the stars and rising stars of Danube basketball players was held. Dubbed as the Rookies versus the Veterans, the game was held to spice up the on-going conference and to further promote the camaraderie among the players. The Veterans team was coached by Choi "The Buzz" Reyes and includes Ruen Villegas, Joel Valiente, Michael Bendicio, Lito Llave, Willy Perez, Boy Cartajena, Rey Torres, Roderick Sauquillo and Rey Torres. The Rookies team, on the other hand, was handled by Joy Permejo and includes Ramil Martin, Marlon Calayo, Cris Endaya, Bruce Banaag, Arvin David, Michael Beltran, Andy Mirador, Bbong Faeldonia, Rey de Chavez, Honorio Santiago, Rodney Corpuz and Jhez Alfonso.
The Veterans team was earlier picked as the favorite to win due to its tall and experienced line up but the Rookies denied them the victory. The point guards of the Rookies, Marlon Calayo, Ramil Martin and Cris Endaya orchestrated the plays, and with Coach Joy Permejo yelling instructions from the sideline, they executed their plays with precision. By half time, the Rookies led the Veterans by 10 points. When the play resumed, the Veterans thru its point guards Ruen Villegas and Joel Valiente tried to rally their team but the closest they got was within 6 points.
The Veterans were really out hustled, out rebounded and outclassed by the Rookies. The game ended at the score of 76 to 63 with the Rookies winning by 13 points.
