With 2.5 ticks left in the regulation, Jaguar – DMC executed a play that fell in the hands of their designated 3 point shooter, Hener Aguinaldo. He dribbled pass two defenders and drains a 3 point shot off the board to force an overtime period that occurred during the season playoffs against team Breakers. Pumped up and full of energy, DMC boys was then totally rejuvenated at the opening of the extra period as Aguinaldo and back up point guard, Roddel “Santino” Ramos threw back to back 3 point bombs to immediately extend their lead to 6 points. And as the playoff scuffle to determine who stays and who goes home progresses between the two teams, Breakers squad could not match the intensity and aggressiveness of their opponent resulting to crucial turnovers and missed shots. However, Breakers were able to cut down Jaguar’s lead to two but then committed a handful of fouls that resulted to penalty which put their opponent to series of free throws. Team DMC calmly sank each free throw opportunity in completely sealing their bid to the next playoff round as the final buzzer sounded off. Jun Lanzuela of the Jaguar team performed his usual double double game of 23 points and 15 rebounds while Hener Aguinaldo finished with his season high 24 and point guard Roddel who made a big difference on the crucial moments of the game contributed for 11 markers.
In other season playoff games, 2008 Defending Champion Stingers brought to a close the hopes of the current 2009 Division 2 Champs Team Kabong to reach Division 1 after winning their match, 82 – 71. Juvic San Juan and Asailee scored big for their team, Stingers, with 26 and 13, respectively, while Traxx and Jose contributed with 21 and 19 points for Kabong. Team Ididers also have raised themselves to the division 1 ranks as they won against team Surangel, 96 – 84 with the help of a spectacular performance by their first fives who went home all with double figures. Allan Marbou, Ivan Blesam, Yutaka Gibbons JR., Gino Smau, and Temol finished with 20, 19, 17, 16, and 14 on that order. On the other hand, Surangel’s Deloy Pingot and Arnold Undencimo shot for 23 and 20, respectively.2009 NBL Season Playoffs continues were Ranchers will be matched with team Ngiwal 79ers on Thursday, while Blue Sharks faces off with MedaBoys at 9 in the evening on a re-scheduled match. Then on Friday, Turtleriders sees action against Islanders, whereas team MEDA tries to win Ngermid – Rivals then Division 1 runner-up, Styxers, battles Rangers on the last game. On Saturday, Division 1 Champs, Peched, will skirmish with team Airwaves, while PCC-Mesekiu clashes with Sam’s Sharks at nine in the evening on another re-scheduled game2009 National Basketball League is supervised by the Palau Basketball Federation and is sponsored by Shell, Palau.
