SMJ Corp’s Frank Ferrer takes the contested three-point shot during a playoff game against Unity Trade in the semi open division of the Win Pacific Corporation Invitational Basketball League 2024 at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday.
SMJ Corp’s Jerome Directo rises up for the floater during a playoff game against Unity Trade in the semi open division of the Win Pacific Corporation Invitational Basketball League 2024 at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday.
SMJ Corp. and Alsa Baso are now one step closer to a title shot in the semi open division of the Win Pacific Corporation Invitational Basketball League 2024 after eliminating their respective opponents at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday.
SMJ Corp. beat Unity Trade in overtime, 70-66.
SMJ controlled the first half of the game as they started off hot from beyond the arc with Alex Robles at the frontline sinking two triples while Jun Estolas and Aiden Suba delivered one each.
Elmer Esdrelon was Unity Trade’s answer as he led with 18 points, but his one-man show lacked the support needed to match SMJ’s productivity, which relied on teamwork.
SMJ’s Nikko Mejarito and Sean Licayan took over the last few possessions to push a double-digit lead, 34-24.
During the start of the second half, SMJ’s Frank Ferrer found his range and connected three consecutive three-pointers.
Unity Trade then staged a rally by using their aggressive defensive coverage to create scoring opportunities. With each stop, Ivan De Vero capitalized with fastbreak finishes alongside Christian De Vero and Su Diwa to reduce the gap to a single possession.
Unity Trade was forced to foul to stop the clock, handing SMJ easy points from the free throw line. But Unity Trade’s Diwa, Ivan and Christian De Vero managed to score in each inbound play to tie the game 62-62.
Unity Trade had one final attempt to pull an upset as Ivan De Vero was left unguarded alongside the baseline. However, he missed the jumper and the game went into overtime.
Unity Trade could have pulled a miracle in overtime, but they could deliver four points only while SMJ connected eight buckets to secure the win, 70-66, and a semifinal spot.
Alsa Baso vs One Pacific
Alsa Baso advanced to the semis by barely slipping past One Pacific, 81-78.
There were several lead exchanges throughout the first half, but the efficiency of Dennis Calunsag and Adi Tabora gave Alsa Baso a slight lead, 37-35.
One Pacific nearly pulled the impossible in the second half as Keith Santos and Jeter Medina caught on fire with back-to-back threes to maintain a one-possession distance.
However, Alsa Baso used the clock to their advantage and connected enough free throws to stay afloat and eventually seal the win, 81-78.
Scores:
SMJ Corp 70 – Alex Robles 17, Jun Estolas 14, Frank Ferrer 13, Nikko Mejarito 10, Sean Licayan 5, Paolo Yanto 4, Aiden Suba 3, Jerome Directo 2, Khristian David 2
Unity Trade 66 – Elmer Esdrelon 23, Su Diwa 13, Ivan De Vero 13, Christian De Vero 8, Dhan Mateo 5, Web Gontar 4
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Alsa Baso 81 – Jepoy Tabora 15, James Kintz 15, Tony Kim 14, Dennis Calunsag 11, Adi Tabora 9, Jun Tabora 7, Chris Sanchez 5, Jun Del Rosario 2, John Descartin 2, Papposs Tabora 1
One Pacific 78 – Keith Santos 22, Jeter Medina 19, Justin Enano 13, John Bayking 13, Jorge De Guzman 7, Nyrel Eugenio 4
