JR Panel Puts Holes on Dimond's Roof

First semi finals weekend pitted 2 possible finals contender, new entry JR Panel against defending champs Dimond/Ampelite. The start of the game saw the Roofmakers leading and on their way to their third victory against the Panel Beaters in this tourney. Dimond started strong and had 10 unanswered points, however JR Panel slowly clawed their way back from being down 7 points end of first quarter to a 2 point deficit at half time 55-57.

Third quarter saw both sides showing off their offensive prowess, Zshornack, Canlas and Becker top billed for Dimond while Camus, Lorenzo and Manuel starred for JR Panel. Both teams were pretty even and well matched. Exchanging baskets throughout the quarter.

The fourth quarter was all about composure, the first team to blink would certainly lose. Veteran players Latosa and MVP contenders Dennis Lorenzo and Ferdie Manuel were the big difference for the Panel Beaters. Scoring crucial baskets and almost scoring at will as they were able to find holes in the Dimond defense. But what helped JR Panel was the collapse of Dimond's offense, practically scoreless in the last 3 minutes, final score 115-102. Manuel top scored with 32 points, Latosa and Lorenzo had 20 and 17 respectively for the Panel Beaters. For Dimond Zshornack had 31; Canlas chipped in 28 and Becker had 12.

Dimond could have booked a seat in the finals had they won. If JR Panel wins their game against league leader CMR/Manila Motors this weekend then they will certainly improve their chances of booking a finals seat. If they lose then Dimond will almost certainly face CMR/Manila Motors.

The other semi games was a walkover for Manila Motors over LM Money Transfer. Half time score was 79-51. Second half was more of the same, giving CMR a chance to rest their key players and giving their bench a chance to play. Final score 126-113. Top scorers were A Evangelista with 24; J Evangelista with 20 and Patriarca with 15. LM Money Transferers saw Derek Buaya with a season high 48 points which included 10 treys while El Presidente Norman Latosa had 30.

PBA organizers have started to analyze the contenders for the awards. Factoring attendance and over all impact to their respective team. This weekend will be an exciting game between possible Cinderella finish JR Panel Beater and new powerhouse CMR/Manila Motors. See you at the games.