CEBU, Philippines - The combined forces of The Freeman and Cebu Daily News (CDN) had to pass through a five-minute extension before egding out the equally-tough CCTN-47, 70-66, in the Newsmen Basketball Association of Cebu (NBAC) 2013 Season yesterday at the Chiang Kai Shek gymnasium of the Cebu Eastern College (CEC).
The Freeman-CDN, thus, will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals after finishing the elimination round at second place with a 4-1 win-loss record.
CCTN-47 was actually on top by two, 60-58, with just a few seconds remaining in the regulation period, but Jonas Panerio made a footback jumper to send the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the two protagonists again figured in air-tight battle, but a layup by Ador Mayol with 12 seconds left sealed the deal for The Freeman-CDN.
Panerio paced The Freeman-CDN with 25 points. Calvin Cordova chipped in 15 points, while top center Rico Navarro and Lemuel Maglinte combined for 20 markers.
Rodhel Quimod topped CCTN-47 with 25 points followed by Rey Gealon with 19.
In the second game, Sunstar-Bombo Radyo completed the four-team semifinal cast with a 86-66 demolition of against ABS-CBN.
The scores
First game
The Freeman-CDN (70) - Panerio 25, Cordova 15, Navarro 12, Maglinte 8, Mayol 6, Melecio 4
CCTN (66) – Quimod 28, Gealon 19, Del Corro 10, Ligan 9, Fuentes 2
Second game
Sunstar-Bombo Radyo (86) – Bayking 24, Patino 20, Amaro 12, Secuya 8, Cerojano 12, Lucaban 4, Defensor 3
ABS-CBN (66)- Escalante 43, Abanes 11,Bulotano 8, Navarro 2, Nierra 2 (FREEMAN)