CMR/Manila Motors Crushes JR Panel's Chances

Labanan ng mga mekaniko or sa English "Battle of the Mechanics", parang title ng pelikula. With both teams having sponsors from the same industry there was always a lot at stake. JR Panel needed to win to keep their chances of making the finals in their inaugural entry alive. While a Manila Motors win would not only secure Mang Lando's team's place in the finals but also eliminate a team that could give them a hard time in the championship.

Not a few observers thought Coach Tong Fiel's mechanics had it in the bag when they started strong in the opening minutes and raced to a 14 point lead midway through the second quarter. Led by 3pt champ Lester Latosa's two treys; MVP contenders Ferdie Manuel and Dennis Lorenzo combined for 18 huge points in the 2nd quarter alone, the Panel Beaters were in control.

Meanwhile CMR's Tupe Patriarca was having an off game, he was scoreless in the first half. Coach John Senfelices at one crucial stage in a masterful stroke took out his three big guns Patriarca and the Eldialde brothers all at the same time when they failed to deliver. Bringing in Alvic Evangelista and late addition Joe Orquejo who gave their team a much needed spark on offense and defense. It worked, lead was cut down to 6 by end of first half 48-54 while the three big guns rested and recovered. Sabi ng iba, this is why Coach John is a serious contender for the "Coach of the Year" award. 

Third quarter saw Manila Motors continue where they left off, applying pressure defense and converting on the other end of the court to take a 6 point lead via a 12 to nothing run. Role players Alvic Evangelista and Richard Galang combined for almost half of their team's total output for the quarter gaining a 4 point lead end of 3rd 78-74. While Glen Farolan was a monster on the boards, grabbing one rebound after another.

The last quarter was a test of nerves as both teams missed easy baskets and made costly errors. Bong Eldialde starred in the crucial canto as he scored half of CMR's tally in the 4th quarter.  And with the West based team up by 5 minutes going into the last 2 minutes everyone thought it was all over, but Manager Jun Ablanida's boys did not give up. Manila Motors committed 3 consecutive errors which JR Panel converted via a Ferdie Manuel fast break and Latosa hitting a 3 pointer at the right side of the arc, game tied 90 all and a minute to go with ball possession, momentum was certainly on their side.

But it just wasn't meant to be, the last minute saw Manila Motors maintain their composure and on their way to the finals 90-94. The Panel Beaters were unable to score while Manila Motors did enough to win the "Battle of the Mechanics".

The other semi final game was easily won by Dimond who faced an undermanned LM Money Transfer squad. Dimond's Rotsen Gregorio and Edwin Carbungco had their personal best season high game contributing 23 and 22 points respectively. LM's Derek Buaya top scored for his team with 29 points, while Dennis Tan also had a season high 21 points. Defending Champion Dimond will face Manila Motors in a winner take all game next Saturday, the 15th of October.   

With the finalists for this year's LS Banal Cup confirmed the games scheduled for the 8th of October  have been cancelled as they were no bearing games. Instead teams participating in the Labour Weekend tournament in Hamilton will use this time to practice! See you next week!