G-Rollers I pinch a win against Sixers, 73-71.
From the beginning of play, both teams were hard-pressed for time to put in points.
First quarter witnessed G-Rollers I and Sixers outscoring each other by one to two points, as both teams were bent not to be left behind by a wide margin.
While Manny Matagolai dominated the scoreboard for G-Rollers I with his 10-point shots, Joe Ada of Sixers reigned in the period with his 12 points.
Matagolai fired two rainbow shots behind the three-point territory, signaling G-Rollers I crew to bring in the heat over Sixers who were just as eager to hammer the G-Rollers I cagers.
Sixers maintained a good composure throughout the game with Ada spearheading the pack with his fastbreaks and bone-breaking lay-ups, resulting in a two-point lead at the end of the period.
Score was 35-37, in favor of Sixers.
By the second quarter, Don Teregeyo pushed himself hard inside the painted area for some baskets. Fortunately for the power forward, he was able to solicit some fouls along the way, allowing him to take some charity shots at the free throw line.
Teregeyo made six points in the initial minutes of the second quarter.
But this did not stop Sixers from pounding on G-Rollers I’s solid defense as they sent in Ada and Ernest Duenas to take the heat inside the zone.
Duenas made good with his fastbreaks, which gave off some points for Sixers to advance alongside the rollers crew.
Both teams got tied at 58. Thanks to Ada with his one successful shot at the free throw line.
From that time on, the match was a battle of free throws, and not so much of two-point shot attempts.
Ada was for a foul on the floor thereby allowing G-Rollers I for a couple of charities.
On another instance, Ada made up for this crucial foul with a triple play after he solicited a foul from G-Rollers I down the court.
He sank a two-point basket and shot a single free throw in the final minutes of the game.
At that point, Sixers went for 63 points versus G-Rollers I’s 64.
Sixers banked on steals to carry on with their offense, enabling them to lead by one point, 67-66.
Fast forward to last three minutes of the game, an inbound pass to Sixers’s Matt Duenas led to a turnover in favor of G-Rollers I, giving the team a chance to tie the score to 69 with a few seconds left.
Then a foul was committed on the floor against G-Rollers I’s Teregyo.
Teregeyo took the free throw line but the referee called out a five-second violation with Teregeyo’s first free throw attempt.
The first charity did not count, but his second was accepted.
Later, E. Duenas scored a two-pointer.
The teams got tied at 71 points.
G-rollers I’s Deleon Guerrero attempted to drive inside for a quick two but was fouled.
Without missing a beat, DeLeon Guerrero sank two free throws, which gave G-Rollers I a two-point advantage in the game.
Time left was less than 10 seconds.
Sixers run out of time to bring the ball to their possession and make a desperate shot.
Ultimately, G-Rollers I claimed the semis match and are now up to face off with Jr. Nationals.
Scores:
G-Rollers I – 73: Don Teregeyo – 19; Juan Ogarto – 3; Manny Matagolai – 19; Rainier DeLeon Guerrero – 2; Jomar Danas – 10; Wenz Namelo – 4; JR Concepcion – 7; and Edwin Camacho – 9.
Sixers – 71: Ernest Duenas – 18; Matt Duenas – 12; Ian Benavente – 2; Ada – 22; Aaron Agtarap – 2; Jared Ano – 2; Chris Duenas – 3; Nino Flores – 8; and Nono Pepito – 2
