THE Martech Ol’Aces advanced in the playoffs of the Michelob Ultra Cup 2023 after sending Team Marianas to the loser’s bracket Saturday at the Ada gym.
It was a back-and-forth battle for control during the first half of the game.
In the opening quarter, the Ol’Aces gained the slight edge with Kevin Kabiriel igniting the run with four points while Preston Basa connected a three-pointer and Zack Diaz finished strong underneath the rim for a 12-11 lead.
But Team Marianas cooked up a rally in the second period thanks to their speed and aggression. Greg Sablan, Lucio Aldan and Coby Santos drew a handful of fouls and converted a combined four points from the line while Eli Garcia and Jack Aranda chipped in four points apiece to snatch control, 32-30.
But despite Team Marianas’ comeback, they were nearly shut down in the third canto with Santos as their lone scorer due to the Ol’Aces’ defensive stops.
For their part, Jack Lizama and Douglas Schmidt flourished on the frontline with six and five points, respectively, to give the Ol’Aces a double-digit advantage, 50-38.
Team Marianas did not give up and fought back in the fourth and final quarter as they flipped the script in defense and quickly got back within reach with back-to-back threes contributed by Garcia and Jude Sablan while Santos and Ervin Villarin attacked from the inside.
However, the Ol’Aces stayed on their toes with Airson Atan connecting three crucial free throws to secure the win, 64-61.
Joining the winner’s circle was New Chang Ming who trounced Ali’i Blue Haus, 94-74.
The Martech Ol’Aces’ Brandy Onopwy extends for the open layup during a Michelob Ultra Cup game at the Ada gym.
