MCS Knights outscored MHS Dolphins in the latter’s homecourt by two points, clinching their first win in the JV caging season, 59-57.
It was practically a tug-of-war on the scoreboard for the two teams as they outrun, outscore, and outsmart each other amidst lots of errors and turnovers in the hardcourt.
MCS Knights almost lost the game to MHS Dolphins but the former would not simply let go of another loss – not without giving a good game.
And a good game Knights showed towards their worthy rivals.
Knights’ Min Seoung Kim fired 17 points with his fast, strong drives to the basket, encountering heavy resistance from Dolphins cagers.
Kim was not able to post a good performance during the initial quarter as MHS defenders put on a tight screen inside the painted area.
The end of the first period saw Knights lagging by one point, 12-11, but this did not stop them from sinking more points down the basket, tying the match at 25 in the second quarter.
MHS Dolphins inched up a little by the third quarter, but not without carrying out some turnovers due to eagerness with the ball.
Dolphins’ Nino Feria single-handedly ruled in the third period for his team, firing 13 points to get to 43 total team shots on the board.
Kim of MCS Knights, together with Matt Igitol, and a few other teammates, pushed their way inside the zone to connect.
Several opportunities got wasted as Knights got entangled in turnovers with Dolphins providing tight guard, hoping to make some steals.
Sadly, Dolphins were not able to translate these steals and turnovers into needed points to pull away from the Knights.
By the fourth quarter, the scores got tied at 55.
Eventually, Knights attempted to drive to the basket, but a foul was called on the floor against MHS Dolphins.
Joseph Yoon of MCS Knights took to the free throw line to make two, but he sank only one charity.
Scoreboard said: 58-57, in favor of MCS Knights.
Knights committed a foul so Dolphins took two free throws, which ended up in a dud.
Knights tightened on their defense as they cling on to their one-point lead. Then MCS bench called for a timeout, stopping the clock with 31 seconds left.
Bela Baka of Knights got fouled and so he was offered two charities. Baka sank the first attempt, but made good with the second.
The score was 59-57, in favor of MCS.
MHS Dolphins hushed up to steal made time ran out.
It was MHS Dolphins’ second defeat in the 2nd round of JV basketball.
Currently, MCS Knights carry a 1-3 win-loss card, while MHS Dolphins hold 2-2 win-loss ticket.
Scores:
MCS Knights – 59: Geza Baka – 2; Matt Igitol – 6; Henry Han 2; Kevin Bautista – 2; Kim – 17; Joseph Yoon – 5; Roy Salas – 8; Jonathan Sanchez – 2; and B. Baka – 15.
MHS Dolphins – 57: Aooin Liberito – 2; Norman Chan -7; Jack Crisostimo – 6; Christian Hidalgo – 2; Brandon Aulerio – 6; Lawrence DeLeon Guerrero – 2; Feria – 20; and Darren Gabrido – 10.
