Docomo stays in playoff contention the the

Docomo Pacific’s Tony Diaz, second right, drives baseline against Max’s Restaurant defenders during the second quarter of their game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Tuesday at the Civic Center Court. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Docomo Pacific remained in the playoff race in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League following a 96-50 rout of Max’s Restaurant last Tuesday at the Civic Center Court.

Docomo improved its record to 3-6 with two games left in its schedule in the round-robin regular season. It’s at No. 9 spot in the team standings, just one win behind No. 8 IT&E Light (4-6). Only the Top 8 teams will advance to the playoff round.

Max’s Restaurant will miss the cut, as the loss to Docomo Pacific dropped the former to a 2-8 slate for the No. 10 spot in the rankings. Max’s joins Gilas Batang (1-8) and Light & Salt (0-9) to an early vacation.

Docomo managed to cruise past Max’s Restaurant despite facing a 7-point deficit after the first quarter, 11-8. Docomo worked its way back into the game in the second period after having a 29-8 scoring surge. Tony Diaz led the way for Docomo’s second-canto assault after firing 16 markers for their 40-26 halftime advantage.

After the break, Diaz continued to hit multiple baskets and also drew help from Robert Sanciangco, Conrad Sablan, and Shane Deleon Guerrero, as Docomo pulled away further, 65-38, going into the final quarter.

Despite the big lead, Docomo was still at it and exploded for 30 points to finish off Max’s Restaurant.

Diaz nearly matched their opponent’s total output, as he tallied 43 points.

IT&E Dark 87, Pardz Ballers 77
IT&E Dark secured a playoff berth after beating Pardz Ballers last Friday.
IT&E Dark holds a 5-5 record for seventh place in the team standings and has one more game left in the regular season. Pardz, despite the loss, is also in the playoffs, as it occupies the No. 4 spot in the rankings after finishing the elimination round with a 7-4 card.

Ivan Devero showed the way for IT&E Dark after posting 26 points, while Dan Mateo, Ferrick Aguon, Michael Cabanas also finished in twin digits, contributing 20, 16, and 13 markers, respectively.

IT&E Dark controlled the game in the first half, leading by as much as 16 points, 51-35. It then lost its double-digit lead in the third period, as Pardz moved within 5, 62-67. However, IT&E Dark regained its composure in the fourth quarter with Devero and Mateo combining for 15 points.

Tuesday’s Game
Docomo Pacific 96—Diaz 43, Sanciangco 9, Mediola 9, Sablan 8, Lukas 8, Sanchez 7, Alvarez 4, Manibusan 4, Deleon Guerrero 4.

Max’s Restaurant 50—Lerio 16, Paynor 9, Herrer 8, Tibayan 6, Salalila 5, Manansala 4, Flores 2.

Scoring by quarters: 11-18, 40-26, 65-38, 96-50.

Friday’s Game
IT&E Dark 89—Devero 26, Mateo 20, Aguon 16, Cabanas 13, Dayrit 9, Garcia 3, Peredo 2.

Pardz Ballers 77—Jose 24, Ritual 14, Torres 13, Bernardo 10, Galulu 6, Rono 6, Hipolito 3.

Scoring by quarters: 29-21, 51-35, 67-62, 89-77.