CEBU - 5th Avenue Telecom of coach Marvin Felices pulled off a nerve-wracking 74-73 win over Ave Maria Sanctuary Park and emerge as elimination round topnotcher in Bracket B of the 6th M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Under-21 Developmental Basketball League at the Consolacion Sports Complex.
5th Avenue Telecom and Team RemEMBER of Consolacion Vice Mayor Ember V. Alinsug and team manager Paul Alelu Q. Flores actually finished the classification round with similar 6-1 win-loss records, but 5th Avenue gained top seeding by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule.
Behind the hot hands of Michael Montenegro who pumped in a game-high 32 points, the Ave Maria Sanctuary Park got off to a sizzling 25-17 start.
However, the 5th Avenue cagers rattled their foes with their stifling pressure defense, forcing Ave Maria to commit a spate of errors in the succeeding two quarters.
5th Avenue made the most out of the opportunity to charge back and forge a 52-all deadlock at the end of the third period.
A tight-rope battle ensued resulting into another 72-all standoff with 42 seconds left to play. But Alon played the hero’s role for 5th Avenue by converting a crucial fastbreak play.
Ave Maria had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Montenegro, who was fouled with four ticks left before the final buzzer, could only make one free throw, thereby, sealing their doom.
With the win, 5th Avenue gained automatic quarterfinal entry in the three-month tilt organized by M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) executive director Eddie B. Ybañez. The prizes and part of the tournament’s proceeds will be donate to charitable institution of the winners’ choice.
Games will resume with the wildcard phase tomorrow still at the same venue.
The scores
5th Avenue Telecom (74) – Alon 17, Quilab 15, Guardiario 7, Marquez 6, Solis 4, Maninqui 4, Cañete 4, Israel 4, Talingting 2
Ave Maria SP (73) - Montenegro 32, Senining R. 17, Obledado 6, Herida 4, Sayman 4, Espiritu 2, Abing 2, Trillo 2, Semblante 2, Pacinio 2
Quarterscores:17-25, 38-39, 52-52, 74-73 – EBV (THE FREEMAN)