Silencer vs BBB in finals

The Silencer’s Angelo Fernando, right, takes off for a fastbreak layup during the second quarter of their semis game against Team Sawi in the IT&E-sponsored Ali’i Blue Haus caging last Wednesday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Silencer and Batang Bear Brand eased their way to the finals of the 2nd Ali’i Blue Haus Invitational Basketball League after downing their respective opponents last Wednesday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.

Batang Bear Brand took the first finals seat following a 112-102 victory over White Haus in the curtain-raiser, while the Silencer also earned a double-digit winning margin against Team Sawi, 91-74, to clinch the second and last slot to this Saturday’s title match.

The Silencer gained control of the semis match late in the first quarter and then pulled away in the second to avoid the upset axe of Team Sawi, which stunned No. 3 seed Black Mamba in the quarterfinals.

Ahead by only 1, 16-15, down to the last two minutes and change of the opening canto, the Silencer managed to widen the gap to 10, 26-16, after Kelvin Fitial knocked in two triples and Nestor Arreza and Amor Zapanta made a field goal apiece. Team Sawi’s lone point in the closing minutes of the first period came from Ehroll Peredo’s split free throw.

Team Sawi continued to struggle offensively, as it was held to a field goal in the first half of the second quarter, while the Silencer was on target, firing 13 points. Mike Esteros led that scoring surge, tallying 6 points, while Angelo Fernando added 5, and Fitial contributed 2.

Team Sawi then managed to hit back-to-back baskets in the ensuing plays, however that was nullified by Fernando’s two straight triples and another trey from Fitial for the Silencer’s biggest lead in the match, 46-22.

The Silencer was never threatened after that with Fitial showing no mercy, drilling easy baskets in the paint coupled with a few outside shots. The Silencer big man finished with a game-high 37 points and drew enough support from Fernando and Estores, who chipped in 17 and 12, respectively.

Peredo paced Team Sawi with his 21 markers, while Emerson Malaqui added 20. Brendon Talania also finished in twin digits, but his 13 points were a far cry from the 29 he made in their semis win over Black Mamba as he failed to get his offensive game going. J.R. Concepcion was another missing link on Team Sawi’s offense, recording only 7 points—from 20 in their semis victory.

Meanwhile, in the first game, Batang Bear Brand got off to a good start and then cashed in on its free throw shooting to foil White Haus’ comeback bid.

Batang Bear Brand built a 29-18 advantage after the first quarter, thanks to the combined 22 points of Jeff Che and Elmer Esdrelon. It then regained the double-digit lead in the third, 80-69, after White Haus forced a deadlock at the break, 50-50. Ron Gamboa stepped up in the penultimate quarter for Batang Bear Brand, scoring 14 points after being held to 2 in the first half.

Gamboa and company then kept their safe distance in the fourth quarter by making shots from the foul line. Batang Bear Brand’s last 11 markers were all made from the stripe with Esdrelon drilling 6 of them to finish with a game-high 42 points. Gamboa contributed 23, while Che and Hal Spott registered 21 and 17, respectively.

Darwin Barbo had 31 markers on a losing effort for White Haus.

First Game
Batang Bear Brand 112 — Esdrelon 42, Gamboa 23, Che 21, Spott 17, Achas 6, Ariar 3.
White Haus 102 — Barbo 31, Quizon 16, Tabora 15, Nonato 13, Mateo 11, Centina 6, Ocampo 6.
Scoring by quarters: 29-18, 50-50, 80-69, 112-102.

Second Game
Silencer 91 — Fitial 37, Fernando 17, Estores 12, Morales 8, Usi 7, Arreza 4, Zapata 2, Culala 2.
Team Sawi 74 — Peredo 21, Malaqui 20, Talania 13, Galulu 8, Concepcion 7, Ceralde 6.
Scoring by quarters: 26-16, 47-31, 66-45, 91-74.