The Saints’ Dominic Blas pushes forward for the fastbreak finish during a quarterfinal game against Lamesa Kusina in the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
The Saints’ Eli Aughenbaugh attempts a running floater over Lamesa Kusina’s JC Galang during a quarterfinal game of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
THE Saints claimed the last semifinal sport of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2024 by dominating Lamesa Kusina, 80-60, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Tuesday.
The Saints’ first-quarter performance was the key to their victory.
JR Thongaram acted as the spark plug for the team as he scored the first six points in the opening quarter. The momentum then spread like wildfire as the rest of the team followed suit, highlighted by an and-one play by L Rock Reyes while Jude Tengco and Leo Galarse contributed a pair of triples to establish a double-digit advantage.
They were also effective on the defensive end as they capitalized off Lamesa Kusina’s poor ball movement and communication, forcing countless turnovers and turning each stop into a bucket on the other end to lead, 21-7.
Lamesa Kusina started to fight back in the second period led by Ervin Villarin and Jeff Victoria, but they relied too much on isolation situations while the Saints answered with teamwork to maintain control.
Lamesa Kusina’s biggest run came during the third canto as Leo Apelo and Mii Tekopua found their second wind, knocking down a handful of crucial shots and even cutting the lead to a single digit. Their rally was short-lived, however, as they quickly lost touch and committed errors to trail 43-59.
In the fourth and final quarter, the Saints’ Dominic Blas, Jeff Yugummang, and Thongaram led the onslaught, combining for 17 points en route to victory, 80-60, and the semifinal round.
Scores
Saints 80 – JR Thongaram 13, Dominic Blas 12, Jude Tengco 10, Leo Galarse 9, Trevor Ogumoro 8, Jeff Yugummang 8, L Rock Reyes 5, Melvin Manibusan 5
Lamesa Kusina 60 – Jeff Victoria 17, Ervin Villarin 12, Mii Tekopua 9, Leo Apelo 7, JC Galang 6, Bryan Natividad 3, Joe Sablan 3
