Tsingtao Boyz keeps undefeated record

Tsingtao’s R.J. Giron drives against two Connie’s BBQ defenders during the second quarter of their game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Saturday at the Civic Center Court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Tsingtao Boyz notched a pair of wins over the weekend to remain unbeaten in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League.

Tsingtao Boyz outclassed Connie’s BBQ last Saturday at the Civic Center Court in Susupe, 78-70, and then downed Light & Salt, 86-75, in a make-up game last Sunday for a 5-0 record and the solo lead in the 12-team field.

Against Connie’s BBQ, which came into the match unbeaten in four games, Tsingtao relied on its free throw shooting to end the former’s winning streak. Tsingtao’s last 13 points were made from the foul line with Ramsa Tenepere and Gerald Rivera making four charities apiece and Jet Jandoc converting three. Jonathan Boncano and Jess Pineda each had a split.

Tsingtao scored 16 of 26 markers in the fourth quarter off free throws, allowing the team to make up for a 10-point production in the third. Before slowing down in the penultimate canto, Tsingtao managed to build a 42-34 lead at the break, as Rivera and Ed Pangelinan combined for 15 of the squad’s 24 points in the second period.

Tsingtao nearly tripled Connie BBQ’s output in the second quarter, as the latter was held to 9 points. The then undefeated Connie’s BBQ made only five field goals in the second period, which started with the team on top, 24-18.

After stealing the driver’s seat, Tsingtao was threatened in the third canto, as Connie’s BBQ moved within 3, 49-52. It was Tsingtao’s turn to struggle on offense in the third frame after converting only five baskets, while Connie’s BBQ’s Mike Esmores nearly matched their foe’s total points, as he made 8 markers to bring his team within a field goal.

However, Connie’s BBQ failed to overhaul the deficit, as it gave up too many fouls in the fourth period and Tsingtao capitalized to remain unbeaten.

Tsingtao made it five in a row after topping Light & Salt in their match that was originally set for Aug. 10.

Light & Salt, which dropped its first four matches, seemed headed for its first win when it caught Tsingtao off guard, taking a 26-15 lead after the first canto.

However, Tsingtao rallied in the second quarter with a 28-9 scoring surge to grab the upper hand, 43-35. Rivera anchored Tsingtao’s recovery after making 11 points in the second period. He added 5 in the third, including a pair of free throws in the third canto, as Tsingtao clung to a 58-57 advantage.

Holding a shaky lead going into the fourth quarter, Tsingtao managed to gain more cushion in the finale when Melvin Demonteverde and Peter Ariar teamed up for the squad’s first 13 markers in that period en route to their 11-point winning margin.