Good thing, Kontenders had enough shots to put in the basket for the win.
Kontenders beat Saints, 63-60, in a fast-paced match with Saints, who happened to lose connection with the basket in the final minutes of play.
Kontenders squad seemed to have not gotten the feel of their pulse in the initial minutes of the first period as some of their crew saw themselves committing some fouls.
This situation resulted to Saints’ Zack Tudela to fire a series of shots from behind the free throw line.
However, Jay Charles of Kontenders saw an opening in the Saints’ defense and fired a three-point shot with good outcome.
A fellow Kontenders of Charles copied his shot in the three-point arc later in the first quarter, and was successful enough to connect to the basket.
Kontenders’ Eugene Ogumoro filled in the needed points in the second quarter of play, crafting strong drive inside the painted area.
But Saints’ Tudela would not give way to the onslaught.
During last five minutes of play in the second period, Tudela positioned behind the three-point line and connected to the basket. Along the way, he solicited a foul from one of the Kontenders.
Eventually, Tudela succeeded in putting in a four-point-play in the game after made a basket in the free throw mark.
It was the only four-point play that took place that night.
Tudela tied the game at 47 points with Kontenders in the last 4 minutes, 40 seconds of the game.
Kontenders had a different plan: they capitalized on fastbreaks in moments where Saints’ cagers’ defense is left open.
Soane Pua of Kontenders gave off seven points in the final minutes to bring the team’s score to 59 points.
But Saints’ Tudela responded with a two-pointer, bringing the team to 60 points.
Saints’ Luizi Reyes tried to throw the ball from the three-point line, hoping to seal the match. He failed.
Eventually, the ball went to Jester Kaipat of Kontenders who made the last four points for his team.
When the buzzer rang, Kontenders were left with 63 points total in the game, forcing Saints to settle at 60.
Scores:
Kontenders – 63: Mailau Pomea – 5; DJ Ngirachongor – 6; Douglas Dillay – 4; Jay Charles – 3; Jester Kaipat – 10; Trevor Ogumoro – 8; Eugene Ogumoro – 10; Wayne Dowei – 2; John Laniyo – 2; and Pua – 10
Saints – 60: Luizi Reyes – 12; Tudela – 29; Joshua Lizama – 2; Vince Iglecias – 6; Sandy Tenorio – 3; and Nikko Masga – 5.
