QatarFalcon reigns over Dubai All-Star in friendly

Qatar Falcon reigns over Dubai All-Star in friendly

PIBAQ Team Qatar Falcon with officials of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar in Dubai, recently.

QATAR TRIBUNE Daily English Newspaper

By: AILYN AGONIA
Pictures by: Andrei Avila (SnapShots 2013, Dubai-UAE)

 

DOHA They went. They played. They conquered. It was a sweet victory for Team Qatar Falcon of the Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) over the host team Dubai All- Star during a charity tournament held in Al Hudaiba Sports Hall in Dubai, recently.

A lead of seven points sealed a win for the proud Doha-based Filipino players in front of basketball enthusiasts in Dubai who had been looking forward to the showdown. The final score was at 113-106. Fans saw live the Qatar Falcon, the reigning GCC All-Filipino champions.

The friendly game was a great opportunity for Qatar Falcon to prepare for the 5th GCC All-Filipino tournament to be held in Bahrain next year. The team made great effort to retain the crown of the prestigious 4th edition of All-Filipino in GCC held in Qatar early this year, proving that when it comes to Filipino basketball in the Middle East we strive to be on top, said PIBAQ President Pat Carido.

Qatar Falcon's rally for the win was led by Rodel Mallari who finished the game with 19 points complemented by the efforts of Kemuel Proceso (18 points) and Christian Jasper “CJ” Casas (16 points). Seventeen-year-old Casas is currently making a name at Al Arabi Sports Club with the U-18 players.

But the match was not a complete walk in the park for the PIBAQ men. The Dubai All-Star, comprising players from Dubai Heat and Abu Dhabi Kings, gave the guests a hard time throughout the game. At the end of the first quarter, the hosts were in lead with seven points.

In the second quarter, Coach Bomber Vitor surprised Dubai All Star with his tactics utilising the speed of Casas and successful conversion of three-pointers off steals. The game went into the half-time break with Qatar Falcon taking the lead with 9 points.

The third quarter proved to be one of survival for both teams as the period saw Qatar's lead narrowed to just 1 point, 83-82. Yet the PIBAQ's will to return victoriously to Qatar and entertain the crowd at the same time made all the difference.

All the players stepped up their game as Big Man Francis De Leon dominated the floor with two blocks. And with 1:20 minutes left, 4th GCC All-Filipino Most Valuable Player Michael Paderes pulled off a clutch 3- pointer to win the match.

Sweet victory, indeed!

 

 




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