Moreno scored six points in a tightly fought OT to outlast Inchcape, 73-71 in the 4th Miller Lite Invitational Basketball Tournament at Gualo Rai.
Inchcape had to make do without Bart Demapan as Kae Bernardo piled a game high 30 points.
Armatech pulled away, 51-42 in the early second half only to lose momentum in a disappointing fourth quarter.
Bernardo and Jun Tabora nearly secured the game with a barrage of fast break shots.
Armatech took possession in the closing seconds of regulation time but missed, giving Yosh Gabaldon opportunity for an offensive rebound. A three-on-one struggle forced Gabaldon to lose possession, sending the ball to Bernardo for a game saving layup.
His buzzer-beating attempt failed however, forcing the game into an extra five minutes.
With 40 seconds left and a 71-71 tie, Moreno hammered his usual layup and saved the night.
Inchcape’s Jun Pantaleon posted five of his 10 points in the fourth period before fouling out. Bernardo, Bong Malasarte, Bruce Berline, and Joseph Galulu endured the clash at four personal fouls each.
Armatech’s top gunner JR Ngeskebei scored 14 of his 20 points in the first half and squeezed in a jumper in OT. Francis Rebuyon earned 12 and Berline scored seven.
Tougher competition is expected among the league’s teams, especially with the playoffs coming soon.
Scores:
Armatech 73 — JR Ngeskebei 20, M. Moreno 16, F. Rebuyon 12, B. Berline 7, Y. Gabaldon 6, B. Malasarte 6, J. Galulu 6
Inchcape 71 — K. Bernardo 30, J. Tabora 16, J. Pantaleon 10, N. Legaspi 6, F. Tobias 4, V. Mallari 2, M. Buenabajo 2, A. Jinang 1
Quarterscores: 20-19, 41-31, 51-42, 63-63, 73-71
