FRIDAY was a night of upsets in the semifinal round of the 2024 Destroyers Basketball Club Invitational Basketball League with Savemore and Jacob’s Bakeshop eliminating the top 2 seeds at the TSL Sports Complex.
Savemore had a lot of healing to do after they barely escaped the clutches of no. 2 seed GMP x Yuman, 93-91.
GMP x Yuman had the first half under control as they were firing on all cylinders led by Justin Enano and Jude Tengco, who scored the first 11 points for the team.
Savemore fought back thanks to Getsen Jandoc who constantly fed Daryll Foronda and Rodjay Macaraig inside the paint. However, they lacked the speed that GMP x Yuman possessed as Sean Licayan and Joemar Agustine kept the flames burning to retain the lead, 43-36.
In the second half, Savemore gradually took over the scene. Although they lacked speed, they still had the stamina which they used to overpower GMP x Yuman. Alex Lauron picked up where he left off, controlling the boards with defensive rebounds and put backs while teammates Foronda and Tristan Movilla cleaned up the trash.
GMP x Yuman’s frustration started to show, committing several fouls with three of their players already in foul trouble. They also had to battle the clock as they failed to close the distance and had to settle for defeat, 91-93.
Jacob’s Bakeshop vs Islander Rent-A-Car
Jacob’s Bakeshop notched their ticket to the finals after Justine Dominguez’s clutch shot handed them the victory over the no.1 seed, Islander Rent-A-Car, 72-71.
Jacob’s Bakeshop played with confidence and was led by Manuel Gatbonton and Dan Fernando with Emman Bondad contributing much needed buckets to lead by halftime, 33-27.
Islander showcased their range in the second half, sinking five triples courtesy of Webb Gontar, Frank Ferrer, and Nikko Mejarito followed by Andrew Sy’s would-be dagger to maintain the lead.
But before the game ended, Bondad sank both attempts from the charity line followed by a game-winning bucket by Dominguez — his only shot of the game — to steal the win for Jacob’s Bakeshop, 72-71.
The result of Sunday’s championship game between Savemore and Jacob’s Bakeshop will be featured in Variety’s next edition.
Savemore’s Alex Lauron protects the ball as he attempts to drive past a defender during a semifinal game against GMP x Yuman in the 2024 Destroyers Basketball Club Invitational Basketball League at the TSL Sports Complex.
GMP x Yuman’s Sean Licayan takes the floater over a defender during a semifinal game against Savemore in the 2024 Destroyers Basketball Club Invitational Basketball League at the TSL Sports Complex.
Erick Nuyles
Getson Jandoc
Jude Tengco
Rodjay Macaraig
