Blue Haus, Hoops edge opponents

Defending champion Blue Haus retained its perfect record after surviving JP World, 76-74, in the second game in the 2014 QQ Rent A Cat Invitational Basketball League last Monday night at the Garapan Basketball Court.

Brendon Talania scored 4 of Blue Haus’ last 5 points, including, two crucial free throws, to help his team thwart JP World and get their third win in as many games. JP World fell to a 1-1 record, falling short in its comeback bid after working its way back from a 14-point deficit at the end of the third period.

Blue Haus was ahead by only three at the break, 31-28, when it exploded for 30 big points in the third canto to take a double-digit advantage, 61-47, with only one quarter to go. Leo Galarse led the breakaway, scoring 9 points in the third frame, while four other Blue Haus players contributed at least 4 points each to stretch the team’s advance.

However, Blue Haus failed to hang on to the big margin, as JP World quickly recovered in the fourth quarter behind Freddie Pelisamen, Gyles Ruluked, and Jun Estolas’ baskets.

With JP World threatening to end Blue Haus’ streak, Talania came into the defending champion’s rescue, hitting all his 8 points in the fourth quarter. He had a triple and a layup in the fourth and capped his final-quarter push with a pair of charities that sealed it for Blue Haus.

Meanwhile, Hoopaholics snapped its two-game losing skid after outclassing High-Five in a low-scoring game, 52-45.

Kelvin Fitial top-scored in the Hoops’ first win, as he drilled 12 points. Mel Manibusan added 10, while four other Hoops players combined for 22 points.

The Hoops drew contributions from several players, while High-Five had only five breaking into the scoreboard. With its balance offense, the Hoops took the lead at the end of each quarter, keeping a safe distance against the depleted crew of High-Five (1-2).

First Game
Hoopaholics 52 – Fitial 12, Manibusan 10, Cabrera 6, Villacrusis 6, Itibus 6, Lauron 4, Lee 3, Diaz 3, Villagomez 2.
High-Five 45 – Brennan 13, Wesley 10, Pangelinan 9, McCain 8, Peters 4.
Scoring by quarters: 14-11, 27-25, 39-35, 52-45.

Second Game
Blue Haus 76 – Pagarao 14, Esdrelon 10, Barbo 10, Galarse 9, Talania 8, Devero 6, Demapan 6, De Dios 3, Berline 2.
JP World 74 – Pelisamen 26, Estolas 9, Paraiso 6, Jones 6, Ruluked 6, Sharry 4, Camacho 3, Olaitiman 2, Peredo 2, Sison 2.
Scoring by quarters: 15-14, 31-28, 61-47, 76-74.