SIP sends FASA packing

Three-time champion SIP-Verizon assured itself of a seat in the finals slot after drubbing FASA-PABA-CNC Inc. 105-76 last Saturday in the 2004 UFO-San Miguel Cup playoffs at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

FASA scored the first 6 points of the contest, as Jhun Estolas and company surprised SIP with a flurry of baskets forcing playing-coach Rick Alegre to sue for an early timeout.

It was a different Verizon squad that stepped back to the hard court, however, as Alegre took command of his young guns, leading them to a scorching run that ended with SIP in favor, 21-13, after the opening quarter.

The whippet-quick Estolas tried to rally his back-against-the-wall team in the second period, pumping 11 of his 23 points.

But offense doesn’t win ballgames much less help you reach the finals, as FASA just played matador defense on SIP, registering not a single foul in the quarter.

Oftentimes, SIP players found their way towards the basket unimpeded that it looked more like a runway than anything else. Scoring at will, the Verizon squad built up their lead to 52-34 at halftime.

A livelier FASA team greeted the third quarter and like the first quarter, scored the first 6 points of the half.
SIP continued to play like a headless chicken the next five minutes and a bucket by former SMF hitman Melvin Villarin made it 58-53 with 4:04 remaining in the period.

But then Alegre reinserted himself back into the game and like a flick of a switch SIP’s aggressive play returned. They went on to outscore FASA 13-2 the rest of the third and took a commanding 71-55 spread going into the fourth and final quarter.

The fourth didn’t payoff for FASA either, as SIP rattled an avalanche of points that smothered the last hopes of Estolas and company for a comeback.

With still plenty of time to go in the game, FASA coach Marvin Deocares decided he had enough and threw in the towel and pulled off his starters.

Alegre was named best player of the evening, collecting a near triple double with 12 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists, and 6 steals. Jason Amado, Jester Garcia, James Villacrusis, Junar Arconado, and Pete Mendiola also finished in double figures for SIP.

Estolas, who had a frustrating night shaking off Verizon’s tough defense, led FASA with 23 points. He also had 5 assists and 7 steals. Swingman Errol Peredo also chipped in 17 points in the loss.
With its third loss in the same number of games, FASA formally fell out of the finals race and has been relegated to the battle for third.

SIP 105 – Amado 19, Garcia 18, Factor 15, Villacrusis 12, Alegre 12, Mendiola 11, Arconado 10, Espinosa 8, Diaz 2.

FASA-PABA 76 – Estolas 23, Peredo 17, De Guzman 10, Montano 9, Guiab 8, Villarin 7, Dela Torre 2.

Scoring by quarters: 21-13, 52-34, 71-55, 105-76.