Savemore’s Joel Saplan pulls up for the midrange jumper during a game against Yuman in the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League season 2 at the TSL Sports Complex.
LAMESA Kusina and Savemore reached the playoffs of the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League, season 2 by eliminating their respective opponents during the knockout games at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday.
Lamesa Kusina overcame Stag with a second half run to secure their spot in the playoffs, 92-60.
Both teams showed their hunger for the win as they filled the first half with jam-packed action.
Stag relied heavily on the productivity of Tim Wesley, who was nearly unstoppable within the perimeter, leading the offense with 18 points while teammates Jaime Polido and Vicent Lumen delivered eight and seven points, respectively.
Lamesa Kusina, for their part, focused on teamwork as each player on the court played their roles effectively to gain a slight edge by halftime, 37-35.
In the second half, fatigue started to affect Stag’s performance. Wesley continued to deliver at will on the offensive end, but lacked the help needed to allow his team to stay afloat. There were also more Stag misses than makes.
Lamesa Kusina turned each defensive stop into buckets on the other end. Raymond Velasco heated up from behind the three-point line, connecting three consecutive shots to give his team a double-digit spread.
As Stag fell into an offensive drought, Lamesa Kusina’s lead grew out of reach as Leo Apelo and Franklin Bongolan took over the final minutes of the game, setting a smooth sail to victory, 92-60.
Savemore vs Live 2 Live
Joining the winner’s circle was Savemore, which outhustled Live 2 Live, 81-70.
The first half saw Live 2 Live in control thanks to the consistency of John Santos, who put up 19 points to give his team the lead, 42-39.
However, Live 2 Live lost their touch during the second half of the game, missing several shots and committing costly errors and violations.
Savemore capitalized with back-to-back shots by Julius Domine, who delivered 18 points to seal the deal, 81-70.
Scores
Lamesa Kusina 92 – Leo Apelo 18, Francisco Gutierrez 11, Wen Gontar 9, Albert Agustin 9, Billy Natividad 9, Raymond Velasco 9, Franklin Bongolan 8, Jun Hernandez 6, Bryan Lontoc 5, Jonathan Broncano 4, J Paul Flores 3
Stag 60 – Tim Wesley 27, Vincent Lumen 11, Jaime Polido 8, Christian De Guzman 4, Mike Umali 2, Jayson Bravo 2, Marvin Marchadesch 2, Jun Marilla 2
