RIYADH, 27 June 2003 — Metro Star and Faisal Cargo bested their respective opponents in game 1 of the best-of-three semifinal games of the Filipino Basketball league (FBL) held at the Khalda sport compound in Malaz area.
Metro Star scored a lopsided win against Thaipan Sports team 105-65 in the first game leaving Thaipan in a do or die situation in game 2. Faisal Cargo, coached by P. Dellosa and a strong contender to reach the final, defeated Hatco team with ease, 99-81. Hatco is in the same position as Thaipan in game 2. Thaipan started well at the outset of the game leading the score 10-6 in first 4 minutes of the first quarter. Leodegario, who scored 26 points in the game, led the team with a trey and 2 perimeter shots in the first quarter. Nahil have 11 points with 2 triple point shots in the game. Thaipan started in its low post offense giving Metro Star a foul penalty early in the first quarter that prompted coach Mac Narona to adjust and intensify low post defense and trap the ball down the in bound line. Coach Narona’s adjustment paid off and gave them a 9-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. Metro Star then perfectly executed a trap defense led by Gantan and Catalan, which resulted into turnovers that was successfully converted into baskets and advanced the lead to 22 points at the half time.
Thaipan was caught off guard and its big guys Medinella and Santos were unable to make the shot in the shaded area. Hadlocon, who had 24 points in the game, turned in a sparkling performance in the third quarter, making easy shots in the perimeter and converting charities in the foul line. Metro Star had exceptional support from the bench through Alforque, Zabala, Duque and Abella. Faisal Cargo turned in a splendid performance as the starting five scored in double figures in the game giving them credit in dominating the game from star to finish. They led by 6 points in the first quarter, 7 at the half as Saraosos and Tadeo of Hatco did a bid to come back. Faisal advanced the lead to 14 at the end of the third quarter and finished the game with an 18-point advantage.
