LBC Kentz, Mindoro Spartan reach semis

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The LBC Kentz team earned the semifinal ticket in the Travelex Cup 2013.”

 

By Chris Panganiban

Pics by Ronnie Castro

 

DOHA:Both LBC Kentz and Mindoro Spartan made it to the semifinal rounds after they trounced their respective opponents in the crucial games last Friday in the Travelex Cup 2013 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) at the Al Gharafa Training Gym.

The Kentz squad had to pass through the proverbial “eye of the needle” before overcoming the big fight offered by Ertibat-CEG International to win the game, 72-69, while it was just a walk in the park fro the Spartan which dominated a 12-point edge, 77-65, over Power Horse Energy Drink.

Kentz will face league leading TCC Stars-Gerry Grills while Spartan will square off with an equally strong PCSI Specialist-Dukhan Ballers in the do-or-die matches next Friday with the winning teams will advance to the coveted championship rounds.

A time-out was suddenly called by Kentz coach Verne Calledo in the last 31 seconds when rookie Tristan Japson of CEG converted a three point rainbow to catch up just within a three-point margin, 69-66.

Former Philippine Basketball Association swingman Arnold Calo converted one of two from the charity line from a foul by big man Jayson Tiongson and another 2-point charity shot conversion by teammate Charlie Herradura to seal a six-point lead, 72-66, with three seconds left.

CEG’s power forward Rey Solomon made a last ditch attempt and luckily took a three-point basket to inch closer to within just three point margin but it was all CEG could do before the final buzzer.

Kentz made 29 points off CEG’s turn-over, and another 17 second chance points plus 20 fast break points, according to a game analysis of FIBA live statistics recording powered by sporting pulse.

Kentz also dominated the biggest scoring run in 39 minutes that prevented CEG to narrow down the advantage.

“We made the right playing time rotation, that the boys were always fresh as they entered the hard court and I have always told them to bring an all-out 100 percent performance,” Coach Calledo said after the game".

It was an easy ride for the Spartan to foil the chances of Power Horse to step up to the next level as the reliable Spartan veterans Poldong Rodriguez was waxing hot with 21 points complemented by Pocholo Santos and Michael Paderes contributing 19 points apiece.

Power Horse took a gallant play to close the lead with just a point, 52-51, in the third quarter but the Spartan kept coming back with a big rally to pull away. The losing team made the last stand with 3:45 minutes left but that was all they got to stop the fire from Spartan.

Game No: 22

Mindoro Spartan score (77): Poldong Rodriguez-21, Pocholo Santos-19, Michael Paderes-16, Bryan Tolentino-12, Mac Gomez-4, Noriel Jambalos-3, Jay Arce-2, Jose Edbert Ancheta-0, Jacob San Juan-0   Powe Horse score (65): Elmer Santander-22, Lee Sarmiento-11, Roel Odal-9, Michael Buendia-8, Francis De Leon-6, Elbert Del Rio-4, Noli Suzi-3 Manny Reyes-2, Jerson Sales-0

Game No: 23

LBC Kentzscore (72): Robert Valconcha-18, Charlie Herradura-12, Arnold Calo-7, Jhun Bolo-7, Christian Candido-7, Kim Calo-6, Frederick Acosta-4, Jason Macatuggal-4, Zach Nurashim-3, Charlie Bongabong-2, Rizalito Fernando-2   Ertibat/CEG International score (69): Jason Tiongson-28, Rey Solomon-24, Tristan Japson-8, Christopher Marzo-8, Danny Dumaan-1, Fremond Manzanilla-0, Willy Layag-0




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