Connie’s BBQ outlasts IT&E Light in OT

Connie’s BBQ’s Nelson Cabang pulls up for a shot against IT&E Light’s Jaymark De Guzman during the fourth quarter of their game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Tuesday at the Civic Center Court. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Connie’s BBQ escaped with a 97-94 overtime win against IT&E Light in a make-up game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Tuesday at the Civic Center Court.
Connie’s drilled three important free throws in the closing seconds of the extra period to beat IT&E Light. Darwin Barbo made two charities, while John Bongalan had a split to hand Connie’s its seventh win in 10 games. Austin Camacho also hit crucial baskets in the overtime, as he scored 6 points, while Bongalan had one field goal, and Nelson Cabang contributed one free throw.

Jaymark De Guzman delivered the last 7 points for IT&E Light in a failed bid to complete the team’s comeback after they fell behind by as much as 12 points in the first half, 38-50.

Earlier in regulation, De Guzman’s basket tied the match at 85-all, while Joel Danao attempted to win the game for Connie’s BBQ in the dying seconds of the thrilling game, but missed on his drive.

Danao was one of five Connie’s BBQ players who finished in double figures in the extended game after posting 13 points. Barbo led Connie’s with his 20 markers, while Camacho added 15, and Benjie Esmores and Cabang logged 12 apiece.

With its balance offense, Connie’s moved in front in the first quarter, 24-16, and then increased the lead to 12 by halftime, 50-38.

However, at the resumption of the make-up game, IT&E Light fought back and trimmed the deficit to 1, 62-63. Juliene Gotengco and Aaron Pamintuan hit back-to-back triples to end the third period for IT&E Light and threaten Connie’s BBQ, going into the fourth canto.

In the final quarter, the match remained close with Connie’s clinging to an 85-83 lead after a split from Barbo before De Guzman made the basket that sent the game in overtime.

De Guzman continued to lead IT&E Light in the extra five minutes of play, but Connie’s BBQ hung tough in the end by hitting clutch free throws to pull off the victory. De Guzman had 39 points on a losing effort for IT&E Light, which dropped to a 4-6 record.

Connie’s BBQ 97—Barbo 20, Camacho 15, Danao 13, Esmores 12, Cabang 12, Bongalan 8, Dela Cruz 8, Deleon Guerrero 5, Rodriguez 2, Dayao 2.
IT&E Light 94—DeGuzman 39, Henry 13, Pamintuan 13, Jose 8, Gotengco 7, Santos 6, Aglipay 4, Madreo 2.
Scoring by quarters: 24-16, 50-38, 63-62, 85-85, 97-94.