No upsets this time as the top two teams of each division in the Friday Morning Games made the finals after finishing their semifinals assignments, with No. 1 Okaz opening the curtain with dominance over No. 4 Firewind 80-66 in the Rated C Division.

That was followed by a come-from-behind victory of No. 1 Dabarkadz versus No. 4 Yummy Yummy, 48-46 in the Non-Rated Division. No. 2 Nesma then snatched the game from No. 3 Jeddah Dreamers 80-77 in the Non Rated Division and No. 2 Toyota defeated third-ranked Solid North 79-74 in the Rated C Division in the OFBL 3rd Conference Friday Morning Games at Timeout Sports Academy Stadium on Television St., Ghulail District on the outskirts of Jeddah.

After losing last week its twice to beat advantage, Okaz played marvelous basketball to avenge its loss, taking full control over Firewind offensively and defensively in each of the 4 quarters. Jay Liam had a high field goal percentage performance to lead his team with 21 points.

He was supported by Mabarit who had 14 points including 3 3-pointers, Mark Lagria with 10 points, Baniel with 9 points, and Baluyot and Toledo each with 8 points. Patrick Reyes headed the losing team with 18 points. He was helped out by Roland dela Cruz with 13 points and Reyes with 11 points.

Ruzzel Mangalindan made Dabarkadz spirits alive with his tie-breaking shot plus a foul and converted the bonus shot that gave them their first taste of the lead with just 30 seconds left in the game. Dabarkadz had trailed Yummy Yummy throughout the game. I

t’s a low scoring game as both teams focused more on their defenses. Dabarkadz was down by as much as 15 points early in the 1st quarter, but they gradually cut it down to within striking distance and kept it till the dying seconds.

Mangalindan top-scored for Dabarkadz with 15 points, followed by Ryan Verzosa who contributed 7 points, Sid Olegario 7 points and Oliver Keiron Reyes 6 points. Makuha tallied 12 points, Cayanan and Suba 6 points and Ablaza 5 points for the losing team.

Down by 12 points at the break 31-43, Nesma started the 3rd quarter with a 15-0 run to grab the lead from Jeddah Dreamers at 46-43 and from that point it was a seesaw battle all the way down the stretch. Jeddah Dreamers were ahead by 1 point with 35 seconds left and had a 4 on 1 advantage on a fastbreak that was not wisely executed, then Nesma made a quick 2 points to take the lead with 9 seconds left. Jeddah Dreamers still have a chance to retaliate but a good Nesma defense produced a steal and the team also added two more free throws that sealed the victory.

Five Nesma players scored in double digits, led by Castillo with 24 points while Manlangit, Callueg and Tolentino each had 11 points. The trio of R. dela Cruz, Argie Eborda and Alidio had 20, 19 and 15 points respectively for the losing team.