Sports Eye est-1988

An infected toe prevented me from going to The Freeman’s 95th anniversary bash.  I could hardly walk and I would look funny in my tuxedo while wearing sandals or slippers.  Anyway, it’s a great feeling to be part of Cebu’s oldest newspaper.  As I look back, I can’t believe I’ve been writing a column for 26 years.  In 1988, then sports editor, the late Glenn Basubas, asked me if I could write features for The Freeman.  Well,  here’s one of my first features before I wrote a regular column “Sports Eye.”

THE LONGEST GAME  IN NBA HISTORY

Which game do you think was the longest ever played by two NBA teams?  Was it the Boston-Phoenix triple overtime in game  six of the 1976 NBA Championship?  Wrong!  The longest game ever in NBA history took place on January 6, 1951 at Rochester, New York,  It took the Indianapolis Olympians six overtimes to defeat the Rochester Royals 75-3 before a crowd of 3, 790.  It is extremely doubtful that this marathon record will ever be broken considering  the NBA presently has the 24 second clock.

The Royals had Red Holzman, who later became New York Knicks head-coach and Arnie Risen who led all scorers with a 26 points. However, the night  belonged to Ralph Beard of Indianapolis, who made the winning goal with an  assist from Alex Groza and Paul Walther.  The Royals controlled the ball for 3  ½ minutes of the 6th overtime, then their coach, Les Harrison called time to discuss their play.  In the resumption, Indianapolis applied the zone completely stymeing the Royals, who were forced to take a desperate shot that missed.  Alex Groza went high into the air and batted the ball away from the basket.  Paul Walther grabbed the ball  and passed to Beard who dribbled once, went into the air for a jumper.  The ball swished through the net with just one second for the heart- stopping victory.  The game  was marred with hair-raising plays.

In the 5th overtime, Arnie Risen counted for both of the Rochester’s field goals.  There were only 14 personal  fouls in the entire game and Indianapolis cashed in one all of eleven penalty tries.  Also,  both clubs froze the ball especially in the overtime periods for the last shot.  In two of the overtimes, neither team managed to get off a shot.

SCORES BY PERIODS:

Rochester-10-23-20-12:2-0-2-0-4 0

Indianapolis-20-18-19-8:2-0-2-0-4-2

ASIAN MASTERS

I’ve finally decized to skip the Asian Masters Athletics Championship set September 17 in Kitatami City in Japan.  The competition falls on the same date as the Spirit of WIPRO Run which I’m directing.   Last year, I was calling the shots from Los Angeles, Pampanga este..California.  WIPRO officials led by Rex Bispo and Jeff Orbita said they are making these year’s even more“bongga!”, and my presence is really needed being the race director and who will  likewise transform to Elvisaya” during the awarding ceremonies.  Anyway,  I’ve endorsed Cebuano would-be participants to Manny Ibay, including Dennis Scott of Butuan City who’s hoping for a medal in Japan.  The Philippines is sending some  20 competitors including Elma Muros, Roy Vence, Linda Lavandia and Renato Unso amongt others.  I’ll just prepare  for the World Masters Athletics in France next year.

Note:  Bon Voyage to my kumpare Relly Mercado and wife Noemi who leaves for Vancouver, Canada this Sunday.  Relly will be away from six months to one year.  I’m giving Relly my sister Bing Palmiano’s number so he could call her when he gets to Canada.  Of course Relly will be running in some 10ks there where he expects to place in the 70 above category.  Sayonara!