The MLSDF selection and Agukoy National High School of Consolacion, both armed with twice-to-beat incentives, hammered their respective foes to reach the semifinal round without glitch in the 4th M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Under-21 Developmental Basketball League over the weekend at the Consolacion Sports Complex.
The MLSDF stalwarts banked on a strong endgame finish to repuled the gritty Consolacion NHS, 85-77, while Agukoy was in full command from the start until the final buzzer to terminate Brgy. Pajo of Lapu-Lapu City, 72-61.
It was a close encounter at first until Consolacion rained 3-point bombs in the third period to take a seven-point lead, 61-54, entering the final 10-minute zone of the contest.
MLSDF, however, showed big fighting heart as it opened the final quarter with a 10-0 bang to wrest the driver’s seat, 64-61, with just three minutes gone by in the last quarter.
Consolacion forged a deadlock for the last time at 75-all on a triple by Malagar, as Harold Cincoflores sank two free throws to put MLSDF in front for good, 77-75.
A spate of costly miscues by Consolacion further buffered MLSDF to victory.
In the other game, Agukoy NHS kept Brgy. Pajo at bay after piling up a 12-point advantage, 54-42, heading into the final stretch.
The scores
First game
Agukoy-Consolacion (72) - Dahil 11, Valle 9, Ponce 8, Ermac 8, Medida 7, Dumaguit 6, Gerra 6, Somosot 5, Gonzaga 4, Villamor 4, Pilapil 2, Ramos 2
Brgy. Pajo (61) - Tumulak 14, Booc 11, Layones 11, Bisinio 10, Genodiala 5, Booc 4, Atunducan 2, Galaroso 2, Sombrio 2
Quarterscores:21-19, 38-30, 54-42, 72-61
Second game
MLSDF (85) - Mercader 22, Cincoflores 20, Benedicto 15, Daan 6, Quintana 6, M. Cabahug 5, Bucayan 4, C. Cabahug 4, A. Cabahug 2, E. Cabahug 1
Consolacion NHS (77) - Malagar 18, Mejares 18, Najarro 12, Linao 9, Campilan 6, Ropal 6, Ponce 4,Jabla 4
Quarterscores:14-12, 32-38, 54-61, 85-77 — EBV