McDonald’s edges PDI in down-the-wire finish

McDonald’s got another big performance from hardworking Michael Achas and fought off a determined Pacific Development, Inc. team for a down-the-wire 94-93 victory in the ongoing Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Co-ed Basketball League.

Achas kept McDonald’s from falling apart and worked relentlessly for 11 points in the payoff period to spearhead the fast food squad to victory Tuesday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

McDonald’s held the early advantage in the opening period but had the lead slip out of their hands courtesy of a jumper and a 3-point shot by PDI’s Ed Diaz in the final seconds for a 25-23 lead.

McDonald’s also suffered a big setback in the period as forward Francis Rebuyon was ejected from the game courtesy of two technical fouls while arguing a call by the referee.

According to referee Abner Venus, Rebuyon disagreed when referees instructed him to move behind the free-throw line when not shooting the shot or not lined up for a rebound in the lane.

With Rebuyon out, McDonald’s had to pick up the slack and did so behind a balanced attack led by Achas, who drilled in a long-range jumper in addition to three field goals to help his team go up 51-44 at the break.

The match resumed and featured a fired up PDI squad, which leaned on the shoulders of cage belle Saori Asano.

Held to just five points in the first quarter, Asano took it upon herself to fuel a comeback and went off for 14 points in the third stanza. PDI outscored McDonald’s, 29-19, and held a three-point advantage with only 10 minutes left in regulation, 73-70.

The stage was set and Achas seized the opportunity, shining for his team when they needed him the most.

Both teams pushed the best they could, with Efren Ballesteros and Diaz leading PDI, but at the end, Achas and company mustered just enough juice to leave with the hard-earned win.

Achas led three McDonald’s players with 20 or more points, pumping in 26 while William Upone and Gel Gapuz finished with 23 and 20 points.

Diaz finished with a game-high 31 points to lead PDI, while Asano and Ballesteros supported with 19 and 15 points. Joel Guinto also chipped in with 10 points.

McDonald’s 94—M. Achas 26, Upone 23, Gapuz 20, L. Achas 8, J. Achas 4, Rebuyon 4, Guiterrez 2.
PDI 93—Diaz 31, Asano 19, Ballesteros 15, Guinto 10, Guerrero 9, Espeleta 7.
Scoring by quarters: 23-25, 51-44, 70-73, 94-93.
Referees: Ray Lizama and Abner Venus.