Joeten 1 cruises past TDI in finals opener

Joeten 1’s Vince Teregeyo, left, and K.J. Kabiriel, right steps in on defense against a driving Sean Rabasto of Top Development, Inc. during Game 2 of their title series in the 2018 JP World Corp. Customer Appreciation Basketball League last Saturday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Joeten 1 outclassed Top Development Inc., 85-66, in Game 1 of their title series in the 2018 JP World Corp. Customer Appreciation Basketball League last Saturday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.

Joeten 1 was in control of the opener of the best-of-three finals and maintained the lead over TDI, ensuring it didn’t give the latter an opportunity to make a comeback.

Patrick Rotap drilled two of Joeten 1’s three triples in the first quarter and the team drew contributions from six other players to build an early double-digit lead after 10 minutes of play, 27-16.

Top Development, Inc., after a so-so performance in the first period, picked up its scoring a bit in the second canto behind the trio of Darwin Barbo, Sean Rabasto, and Raymond Velasco to cut the deficit to a deuce at the break, 40-42.

However, that was the closest that TDI could get, as Joeten 1 buckled down to work in the second half to regain the double-digit advantage. Chris Lilles made Joeten 1’s first 6 points in the third canto, while his teammates took over the rest of the penultimate frame to up their lead to 66-55.

TDI, after threatening Joeten 1 in the second frame, fell behind by twin digits anew, as Rabasto, Barbo, and Velasco failed to get support from their teammates in the third quarter.

Then in the fourth period, TDI’s offense turned from bad to worse, as it was held to 11 points and five field goals, while Joeten 1 continued to draw contributions from multiple players to ease its way to victory.

Joeten 1 was gunning for the finals sweep last night, as it faced TDI in Game 2. Results of last night’s match were unavailable at press time.

Alex Lauron top-scored in Joeten 1’s Game 1 victory after recording 12 points. Five other Joeten 1 players chipped in at least 10 markers each with Lilles, Vince Teregeyo, and Kabiriel adding 11 each and Sydney Quan and Rotap logging 10 apiece.

Barbo carried the load for TDI with his 26 markers. Rabasto recorded 16, while Velasco had 11.

In other results, RNV Best Deal took the third place trophy after winning by default against Triple J.

Joeten 1 85—Lauron 12, Liles 11, Teregeyo 11, Karibiel 11, Rotap 10, Quan 10, Duenas 6, Sambile 6, Agustin 5, Tobias 3.

Top Development Inc. 66—Barbo 26, Rabasto 16, Velasco 11, Barros 6, Reyes 2, Pollisco 2, Arreza 2.

Scoring by quarters: 27-16, 42-40, 65-55, 85-66.