“MVP Richard Raagas of PCSI-Dukhan Ballers escaped with a tight defense for a basket.”

 

By Chris Panganiban
Pics by Ronnie Castro

 

DOHA:Team LBC takes on game one of the best-of-three championship series of Travelex Cup 2013 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar over the weekend at Al Gharafa Training Gym after trouncing PCSI Specialties-Dukhan Ballers, 78-69, a victory considered as a dramatic climb to the top.

Before taking the second slot for the championship series, Team LBC have to deal with a rematch against tough TCC Stars-Gerry’s Grill but still overcame the “eye-of-the-needle” challenge in their much deserved win, 79-69.

The PIBAQ management handed down a technical decision for the game rematch in an effort to uphold fair play and professionalism in the league that adheres to strict FIBA rules.

In the finals, the game was deadlock are 63-all in the remaining 4:30 minutes but the back-to-back baskets made by Team LBC’s Charlie Herradura and Jhun Bolo through the assists by Arnold Calo was the start of their four point edge rally towards the final buzzer.

LBC’s Sandie Limin widened the lead with seven points, 70-63, 3:16 left with another lucky jumper from the rainbow territory after Anthony Isip of Dukhan Ballers committed a turn over. Team mate and rising rookie star Kim Calo added more woes to their opponent with another three-point conversion with 1:44 left from missed shot of Isip and steal by Arnold Calo.

Arnold Calo buried the hatchet with his own three-point perimeter shot with 36 seconds remaining complemented by the two points basket by Kim Calo that resulted to the final score of 78-69 when the bell rang.

Kim Calo had shown so much intensity in the game with his 100 percent performance in the free throw line that gave him the team leading 15 points score apart from five boards and eight assists as he was exposed to 32:12 minutes of playing time.

Dukhan Ballers import Rodel Mallari did all his best with his 25 points contribution, 16 rebounds and two assists for his 40 minutes playing at the hard court but it was not good enough to lift his team to victory.

Team LBC earned 19 percent of points from turn overs while the losing team only got four percent apart from 10 percent for Team LBC and eight percent for fast break points.

Dukhan Ballers was slightly ahead, 41-37, at half time but Team LBC fought back with a consistent rally to slowly gain the upper hand and never looked back in the dying minutes.

Meanwhile, league sponsor Travelex Worldwide Money through Business Development Manager Shan Kamarudheen led in the individual awards event at Holiday Villa Hotel.

The Mythical Five Member awardees for Best in Guard position went to Bryan Tolentino of Mindoro Spartan and Ronnie Cajayon of TCC Stars, Best in Forward position were Richard Raagas of Dukhan Ballers and Robert Valconcha of Team LBC and the Best Center position was awarded to Rodel Mallari of Dukhan Ballers.

Former PBA San Miguel Beer star Arnold Calo got the Best Import Award for playing a minimum 35 minutes of playing time.

The Most Improved Players of the tournament went to Dan Constantino of TCC Stars and Jacob San Juan of Mindoro Spartan.

The coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) was accorded to Richard Raagas for topping the statistics record in the league.

Other VIPS joining the ceremonies were Sheikh Khalil Haddad of Diana Jewellery and the representative from Philippine Embassy, Polo Owwa Philip Alano.

“ I could hardly believe that I took the prestigious MVP plum. I am very happy since this is the first time I received the MVP ring award and I will always cherish this citation all my life,” said a teary-eyed Raagas after receiving the award.

TCC Stars-Gerry’s Grill took the third place finish in the tournament after routing Mindoro Spartan, 94-88. TCC’s Michael Olino made a big 23 points contribution including the seven made shots out of nine attempts from the three-point line.

In the Non PIBAQ Category, MCM routed TFCMI, 75-59, that earned them the privilege to face Pampanga Team in the finals next Friday. Pampanga, for their part, won over Arab Engineering Bureau, 98-60.

Game No: 27 (Battle of 3rd Place)

TCC Stars-Gerry's Grill score (94): Michael Olino-23, Holden Caballero-15, Francis Mercado-14, Kimuel Proceso-13, Peejay Santos-9, Dan Constantino-5, ROnnie Cajayon-5, Dennis Cabigkis-5, Josend Mangorobvan-3, Don Duldulao-2 and Mark Lagumbayan-0   Mindoro Spartan score (88): Michael Paderes-28, Ferdinan Rodriguez-25, Macky Gomez-17, Pocholo Santos-11 and Jacob San Juan-7

Game No: 28 (Game 1, Best of 3 Championship Series)

LBC Kentzscore (78): Kim Calo-15, Arnold Calo-12, Charlie Herradura-12, Sandie Limin-11, Jhun Bolo-11, Raphael Vallado-8, Christaian Candido-4, Zach Nurashim-3, Rizalito fernando-2 and Charlie Bongabong-0   PCSI - Dukhan Ballers score (69): Rodel Mallari-25, Bhong Caballero-17, Anthony Isip-10, Richard raagas-9, Erminio Bigkas-6, Ronald Batarao-0 and Boghs Laher-0