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Blue Haus still unbeaten in Masters caging
Blue Haus extended its winning streak to three after easing past the Slashers, 81-61, in the curtain raiser of the 2015 Graphics Invitational Masters Basketball League last Saturday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.
Blue Haus began controlling the game in the second half to remain unbeaten and keep the top spot in the seven-team league, while the Slashers fell to a 1-2 slate.
The Slashers were still in contention at the end of the first period, facing only a 2-point deficit, 20-22, but failed to counter Blue Haus’ attack in the second, allowing the latter to slowly pad its lead. Ernie Moises led Blue Haus’ second-quarter domination, drilling 10 of his total points as he nearly matched the entire output of the Slashers (12).
Blue Haus’ Jun Factor, left, and the Slashers’ George Villasan battle for the rebound, while Sam Fernandez jockeys for position against Orly Ebuen during the third quarter of their game in the 2015 Graphics Invitational Masters Basketball League last Saturday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Jun Factor added back-to-back baskets late in the second quarter to back up Moises and started out for Blue Haus in the third, nailing the team’s first 8 points to lead the breakaway. Edwin Santos finished what Factor started, scoring 6 of Blue Haus’ last 9 markers to end the third with a 58-43 advantage. Sam Fernandez logged the other field goal off a triple.
Factor’s four field goals was just one shy of the five baskets the Slashers made, as the team struggled anew on offense as it had limited options with only six players able to last in the match.
Facing a depleted crew that failed to make headway in the third, Blue Haus decided to keep its second stringers in the fourth quarter and Factor capitalized on his longer playing time, adding 8 more points in the final canto. He finished with a game-high 20 markers, while three of his teammates also gained double figures. Moises chipped in 16, while Santos and Fernandez added 10 apiece.
Gerry Farinas and Dick Tibayan led the Slashers with 12 points each and most of them came when Blue Haus had the game in the bag. Alvin Alvarez contributed 11, missing the entire fourth quarter due to knee problems.
Blue Haus 81 – Factor 20, Moises 16, Fernandez 10, Santos 10, Valencia 8, Diaz 7, Guiab 6, Buenabajo 2.
Slashers 61 – Farinas 12, Tibayan 12, Alvarez 11, O. Ebuen 10, Villasan 9, De Jesus 4, Abadilla 1.
Scoring by quarters: 22-20, 41-32, 58-43, 81-61.
