“Mindoro Spartan’s big man Poldong Rodriguez was hugged by team mate Mac Gomez after he converted the buzzer beating basket to win the game, 75-73, over Gilas Nahkowh”.

By Chris Panganiban

Pictures by Ronnie Castro

 

DOHA:TCC Stars-Gerry’s Grill takes on early solo leadership in their second successive win after they routed CEG International-Ertibat, 85-63, in the ongoing elimination rounds of Travelex Cup 2013 of Pinoy Basketball Qatar (PIBAQ) at Al Gharafa Training Gym over the weekend.

Former Philippine collegiate star Francis Mercado was unstoppable with 33 big points and 13 boards to power TCC Stars in dominating a double-digit edge in most of the game periods while former RP Men’s National Youth star Jason Tiongson of CEG International was sidelined for an injury at the height of the crucial period.

In other game, Mindoro Spartans survived a heart-pumping win over Gilas Nahkowh, 75-73, after big man Poldong Rodriguez converted a buzzer-beating jumper with a second left in the game to steer the Spartans in the win column.

The game was tied at 73-all with six seconds left and Gilas Nahkowh was heading for a win with an inbound by Crisler Icaro from the left side of the court when Rodriguez stole the ball and pass it to Michael Paderes who then drop pass it back to Rodriguez for the winning jump shot.

In the third game of Division 2, LBC Kentz was dominating all throughout of the game to dump Power Horse Energy Drink with a wide 33-point margin, 103-70, that as early with still 1:12 minutes left the losing team already thrown in the towel to surrender.

In the Non PIBAQ games, Pampanga handily won with a 29-point edge over Arab Engineering Bureau 74-45, TFCMI won over MCM, 77-57 while Kalev team won in a tight game over Smeet Pre Cast with a four-point lead, 56-52.

PIBAQ chairman Pat Carido reiterated the balance matching among teams in Division 2 saying the results of last Friday’s game obviously shown that the games would be unpredictable in the eliminations even he added that it’s too early to tell if early leader TCC Stars would go all the way.

 

Game No. 13: 

MINDORO SPARTAN (75): Bryan Tolentino-20, Ferdinan Rodriguez-16, Pocholo Santos-11, Michael Paderes-7, Mac Gomez-6, Goefrey Hermoso-6, Jacob San Juan-5, Jay Arce-4  -  GILAS NAHKOWH (73): Bonlex Magcawas-20, Kurtfiel Fiel-12, Jet Bago-9, Arman Catibog-8, Philipi Villarosa-7, Crisler Icaro-6, Jojo Longalong-6, Ryan Libuit-3, Renato Dinglasan-2 

 

Game No. 14: 

TCC SARS-GERRY’S GRILL (85): Francis Mercado-33, Michael Olino-9, Ronnie Cajayon-9, Mark Lagumbayan-8, Holden Caballero-7, Dennis Cabigkis-5, Josend Mangoroban-5, Peejay Santos-5, Don Duldulao-4   -  CEG INTERNATIONAL-ERTIBAT (63): Jason Tiongson-20, Rey Solomon-17, Tristan Japson-9, Christopher Marzo-6, Danny Dumaan-3, Ronaldo Garcia-3, Willy Layag-3, Predios Claverio-2, Fremond Manzanilla-0 

 

Game No. 15: 

LBC – KENTZ (103): Charlie Bongabong-17, Robert Valconcha-13, Raphael Vallado-12, Christian Candido-12, Jason Macatuggal-11, Rizalito Fernando-9, Kim Ali-8, Charlie Herradura-8, Virgilio Bolo-7, Arnold Calo-4, Zach Nurashim-2  -  POWER HORSE (70): Jerson Sales-18, Lizarda-13, Paul David-12, Manny Reyes-11, Noli Suzi-9, Erbert Del Rio-7