AI KHAFJI, 18 July 2003 — In the first recorded overtime play of the tournament, ACMC quintet finally notched their first win versus Khafji Cagers in a grueling match officiated by Danny De Leon, Tony Esto and Jess Pamintuan.
Dodong Aba, a mainstay of Najrani O & M Team, held off a late rally by Khafji Cagers and equalized the score at 65 with an unchallenged lay-up to force the overtime. Aba tied the score again at 73 of the extra period. Eric Espiritu converted one of his free throws from a foul and Arvin Francisco wrapped up the game with 2 ticks left for their 75-73 hard-earned victory.
Bong “Iverson” Flores scored 26 baskets for the losing team while Francisco contributed 21 points, Aba 25 and Victor “Varela” Aguinid 15, for the winners.
It was a do-or-die encounter between SCDD Dental Warriors and ACMC Engineers for the remaining semifinal berth, and ACMC yielded 61-50. Louie Rodriguez was instrumental in his team’s victory, anchoring 14 baskets inside the perimeter area in the first 10 minutes. Coach Raul Marquez praised the gallant ACMC Engineers mentored by Edwin Cahatian.
Gama Bachelors didn’t show mercy to their counterparts wrecking the Gama Couples 65-49. Both teams had qualified in round of 4. Arnel De Jesus scored 8 of his 14 total field goals in the final period leading all players.
Bong Madayag of Gama Couples was in second place with 19 baskets. ACMC’s Arvin Francisco occupies 3rd spot while Jovy Penafiel of SkyFreight and Louie Rodriguez of SCDD Dental Warriors are in 4th and 5th position.
Khafji Cagers had conceded their last and final elimination game to SkyFreight with zero wins out of 5 outings. SkyFreight and SCDD Dental Warriors joined Gama Bachelors and Gama Couples in the semifinal round.
