Okaz cagers sweep into semis with twice to beat edge

Okaz won the battle for the No. 1 spot and the twice to beat privilege in the semifinal as it launched a strong second half to get past Toyota 88-79 in the OFBL 3rd Conference Friday Morning Rated C Division at Timeout Sports Academy Gymnasium on Television Street, Ghulail District on the outskirts of Jeddah last week.
Toyota seemed to dominate, as the trio of Paul Taguba, Dorado and Arana combined well to post a 14 point lead early in the first quarter at 32-18.
Taguba had 11 points including 2 3-pointers in the first quarter. Okaz was led by Jay Liam who had 10 points in the period. In the second quarter Mark Lagria of Okaz scored 10 points to carry his team, as they tried to slice Toyota’s advantage at a manageable deficit at the halftime break 49-41.
But Okaz came out strong in the third quarter, paced in scoring by Mabarit who had 12 points in the quarter to end the period ahead by one of Toyota, 65-64.
Then came the last quarter, where Toledo took charge of the Okaz offense with 11 points, together with Liam who had 6 free throw conversions by the end of the quarter. Okaz took the opportunity, as Toyota collapsed in the middle of the fourth quarter to conclude the game with 9 point advantage.
Four Okaz players reached double figures for a combined total of 73 points, spearheaded by Liam with 20 points, followed by Toledo 19 points, Lagria and Mabarit, who both had 17 points.
Toyota had Taguba scoring 21 points, Dorado 19, Dela Cruz 12 and Arana with 10 points.
No. 1 Okaz (6-0) is set to go against No. 4 Firewind, with a twice to beat advantage today in the Rated C Division. The other semis match will be between No. 2 Toyota and third-ranked Solid North.
In the other Friday Morning Non Rated Division, Dabarkadz took the second semis seat via default against Jeddah Dreamers at 6-2 in front of the team standings. The remaining two semifinals seats which will be contested by Yummy Yummy, Toyota and Jeddah Dreamers. The outcome of the knockout game between Toyota and Jeddah Dreamers will settle the final 4 teams as well as their rankings.
Meanwhile, last Thursday night, BHBC crushed Al Jeraisy by 30 points 97-67 to remain undefeated in the second round of the Intercompany Reinforced Evening Division.
Five players scored in double figures for BHBC with Malagon on 20 points, Federico 17, Garibay 16, Mendoza and Bagunong both had 11 points. Burlat had 29 and Seranillo 12 for the losing team.
Also last Thursday Toyota snatched a 62-61 victory against Unilever in their knockout Above 40 Evening Division semifinal. Joven Batuhan scored 20, Torres 19 and Gadingan 15 for the winning team.
Divina had 24 and Abril Mabarit 13 for the losing team.
The Bonafide Evening Division semifinals started with No. 1 Bupa winning against Al Majal 79-73 to qualify for the finals.
Dawood tallied 14 points, Caisip had 13 and Montemayor 10 for Bupa.
Tocoma had 31 points, Balmes 12 and Manguerra 11 for Al Majal.
In the second round of Reinforced Evening Division, ALJ Toyota trounced M. Gharib 83-71.
Gino Cilot led the way for ALJ Toyota with 27 points, Muhammad and Borcegue each had 12, Laurente 11, and Dorado 10. Liam spearheaded the losing team with 17 points to go with 12 by Guttierez and 11 by Jay Razal.
Also Friday night, Magdalo scored come-from-behind win over Toyota 71-66 to take the first game in their Above 40 best-of-three championship series.
Ludal and Castillo led Magdalo with 24 and 15 points while Gadingan had 16 and Martin 14 for Toyota.