Beto players pose for a photo after their semifinal victory over Velleza in season 2 of the Destroyers Basketball Club Friedly Games 2024 at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday.
Vizion Insurance players pose for a photo after their semifinal victory over Underground in season 2 of the Destroyers Basketball Club Friedly Games 2024 at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday.
BETO and Vizion Insurance will vie for the season 2 championship of the Destroyers Basketball Club Friedly Games 2024 after eliminating their respective semifinal adversaries at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday.
Thanks to a double-digit performance by the dynamic duo, Keith Santos and JR Espinueva, Beto took down Velleza, 92-88.
Espinueva had an explosive start with two triples and a fastbreak finish for eight quick points. Beto continued to thrive with Keith Santos, who posed another serious threat from afar, sinking three triples, while Etong Percival kept his team’s options open from within.
However, they lacked the same consistency on the defensive end, allowing Velleza to gradually work their way to the driver’s seat.
Velleza countered with sheer grit that was highlighted by second chance buckets by Jorge De Guzman, who delivered 12 points. Their rally also emphasized teamwork as Dick Tibayan, Elmer Esdrelon and Alvin Fundador kept the fuel burning, allowing their team grasp the lead by halftime, 46-43.
In the second half, both teams played with confidence and unleashed a volley of three-pointers.
Esdrelon and Tibayan led the onslaught for Velleza but they were outgunned by Santos and Espinueva, who contributed a pair of triples for Beto, which regained the upper hand.
Beto’s defensive pressure also worked well in their favor, turning turnovers into transition finishes while Velleza struggled and committed several fouls, which gave away easy points from the charity line as key players found themselves in early foul trouble.
But Velleza continued to defy all odds as Alken Ege suddenly caught on fire with five crucial points while teammate Dexter Tenorio — who was silent throughout the night — put up seven consecutive points to close the distance.
Velleza was forced to foul in order to stop the clock, but Beto shot at a high percentage from the free throw line and drained six straight points to remain afloat en route to victory, 92-88.
Vizion Insurance vs Underground
Vizion Insurance outlasted Underground, 82-75.
Both teams filled the first half with several lead exchanges.
Underground’s Mark Francisco and Tiago Meriales led their team with six points each before Paul Manansala and Jomari Dela Cruz took over. On the other end, Vizion Insurance answered with unselfishness as they moved the ball to create open shots with Mii Poksu, Christian Bravo and Fradel Sedillo at the frontline to take charge, 48-45.
As the second half progressed, Underground started to lose consistency as only Manansala and Francisco could penetrate through to find the bottom of the net. But without the rest of the team, their production could only go so far. As for Vizion, Alex Robles took over the spotlight with 12 points to secure victory, 82-75 and claim the remaining championship slot.
Scores
Beto 92 – Keith Santos 33, JR Espinueva 21, Ricardo Guinoo 13, Etong Percival 10, Jhomer Espinueva 10, Darrel Alviz 3, Allan Hermosa 2
Velleza 88 – Jorge De Guzman 19, Dick Tibayan 18, Alken Ege 14, Alvin Fundador 13, Elmer Esdrelon 9, Ken Castillo 8, Dexter Tenorio 7
***
Vizion Insurance 82 – Mii Poksu 17, Alex Robles 24, Christian Bravo 11, Dindo Pablo 11, Fradel Sedillo 10, Vinz Rodriguez 9
Underground 75 – Paul Manansala 23, Tiago Esmores 14, Mark Francisco 13, Jomari Dela Cruz 12, Jobert Meriales 7, Vincent Lumen 4, Oliver Gragasin 2
