It was a make-or-break situation for team Fresco, who eliminated Jacem Printing, 80-76 at Gualo Rai last Monday.
The latter took an 11-18 lead in the first quarter but quickly slipped on Mabini’s fast break layups. Mabini – who scored 10 of his 22 points in the second quarter – handed the team eight points with 11 more from Jay-Ar Concepcion.
It wasn’t until the final 10 minutes that Edwin Camacho jumped on the offensive, blasting back-to-back two-pointers against Jacem’s center Fred Litulumar. An out of bound pass late in the fourth quarter and missed shots from Josh Kiyoshi briefly slowed Jacem down. Kiyoshi however, still led the scores with 26 points while Aulerio garnered 18.
A well-balanced offense was the key to Fresco’s victory as Concepcion tallied 20 points, Camacho scored 16, and Chris Lansang added eight.
Even with his swift layups, Kiyoshi himself couldn’t handle the pace against Mabini and Camacho. Angelo Hernaez – scoring only two points from the third quarter – finished off on two jumpers to counter three-pointers from James Arzadon and Dante Olivos.
Team Fresco will play Cellular Pro tonight for the Group C title.
Meanwhile, teams MBI and Inchcape will face off in Group A’s championship round. Group B has yet to complete its last semifinal game between NVM and Sherwin Williams. The winner will take on finalist Joeten Superstore.
During regular season, Pacific Postal, Wings Travel, and Inchcape tied in Group A’s rankings with four wins and two losses each. Both Inchcape and MBI however, eliminated Pacific Postel and Wings Travel to clinch their finals seats.
In Group B, Sherwin Williams remains undefeated with six wins. Team Fresco also leads Group C with six wins.
Scores:
Fresco Saipan 80 – J. Mabini 22, J. Concepcion 20, E. Camacho 16, C. Lansang 8, A. Hernaez 6, A. Santos 4, R. Rivera 2, C. Zhe 2
Jacem Printing 76 – J. Kiyoshi 26, B. Aulerio 18, F. Manalo 8, L. Deleon Guerrero 8, N. Mateo 6, D. Olivos 5, J. Arzadon 3, F. Litulumar 2
Quarterscores: 18-11, 30-38, 47-56, 76-80
