“If you want to win, you need to focus on defense.”
Indeed, Crisostomo’s tactics worked perfectly as Armatech defeated Soul Jazz, 78-66 in the finals round of the 4th Miller Lite Invitational Basketball Tournament at Gualo Rai.
It was over since the second quarter, when they took a 43-33 lead. It was also over when Elmer Esdrelon hammered his third three-pointer in the final quarter to leave Soul Jazz behind by 12 points.
Armatech had earlier downed Soul Jazz, 86-81 in last Thursday’s semifinals. This repeat seemed easier for the team as Bruce Berline scored from a turn around jump shot and Yosh Gabaldon landed five 3’s for 17 points.
Esdrelon finished off with two free throws for a game high 19 points. Berline and Bernard Montano added four free throws to counter a late-game rally from Gyles Ruluked.
Ivan De Vero didn’t come into play until the second quarter, where he notched four points. Despite his absence in the first period, Armatech still took the lead on a calm and steady offensive from Esdrelon.
Soul Jazz’s Freddie Pelisamen tallied seven of his 15 points on back-to-back baskets in the opening five minutes. JR Mina also scored on two crucial layups to keep the team alive.
Armatech pulled away on steady shooting from Montano, who posted eight of his 10 points near end of the first half.
Later in the match, Soul Jazz’s Glen Aquino came close to ejection after fouling Berline in a rebound attempt. De Vero scored six more points for a 14 total and Francis Rebuyon earned four.
Still haunted by their 10-point deficit, team Soul Jazz’s recovery was impossible in the last 30 seconds.
Last Friday, they eliminated Cargo Express-Seabridge to advance to the finals. Cargo Express forfeited Saturday’s consolation game versus Saipan World Resort, handing them the league’s second runner-up spot.
Scores:
Armatech 78 – E. Esdrelon 19, Y. Gabaldon 17, B. Berline 14, I. De Vero 14, B. Montano 10, F. Rebuyon 4
Soul Jazz 66 – G. Ruluked 15, F. Pelisamen 15, J. Mina 10, P. Inos 9, JR Mina 6, G. Aquino 6, Z. Johanes 5
Quarterscores: 19-17, 43-33, 57-46, 78-66
Top teams, players recognized
Meanwhile, the Miller Lite league capped the evening with a post-playoff awarding ceremony last Saturday.
Cargo Express-Seabridge’s Lerio Pagarao was awarded the Regular Season MVP and Yosh Gabaldon was declared the Finals MVP.
Joining the Mythical Five were: Elmer Esdrelon (best guard), Saipan World Resort’s Dennis Vinas (best guard), Bruce Berline (best center), Gyles Ruluked (best forward), and World Resort’s Banjo Basila (best forward).
Ziddy Johanes was best in assist, Edwin Santos was best in rebound, Zack Babauta was best in steals, and Jawn Joyner was best in shot blocks.
Jun Pantaleon was named the “3-Point King” and Freddie Pelisamen was declared the scoring champion.
Armatech’s very own Pepe Crisostomo received the Best Coach award and Brabu Pharmacy won the Sportsmanship Award.
Team Cargo Express-Seabridge won the B-bracket’s pennant title with a perfect regular season record of seven wins and no losses. Blue Haus was the A-bracket’s pennant champion with six wins and one loss.
