KFC skips past San Roque in DLX league

  KFC notched its second win in as many games after slipping past San Roque, 69-66, in the lone game played in the 2012 DLX Inter-Color Basketball League last Monday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.

KFC recovered from a nine-point deficit in the last 4:40 of the match, dropping a 15-3 bomb with Ralph Francisco leading the comeback and Jeff Durant, Pat Tinio, and Herbert Maranan completing the uprising for the team’s perfect record.

San Roque fell to a 0-2 card, as it was held to only three points in the final four minutes of the rain-delayed game, no thanks to several errors and hurried shots from Angelo Fernando.

The first match of the night was halted with over seven minutes left in the fourth and San Roque on top, 59-54. San Roque then resumed the game with a quick 4-0 scoring for a 63-54 advantage.

KFC sued for time and launched a 9-1 rally, behind the back-to-back triples of Francisco and a layup and split charity from Durant to move within one, 63-64, going into the last two minutes of the match. San Roque was held without a field goal for more than three minutes, as Fernando struggled against the tough defense of Maranan, while Durant controlled the defensive board for KFC.

An Art Salazar basket underneath gave San Roque more breathing room, but KFC refused to give up and finally took the lead off Tinio’s back-to-back baskets. Tinio made a fastbreak layup off Fernando’s missed shot and a few seconds later canned a short jumper for their 67-66 lead, 43 seconds left in the match.

Salazar had a chance to regain the upper hand when he was temporarily left open in the paint, but elected to pass the ball, which was partially tapped by Tinio. The ball then rolled toward the left sideline with Francisco going for a save, but when he bounced the ball back into the playing court, it landed to the wrong hand’s-Salazar’s.

However, Francisco quickly redeemed himself from the early error, stealing the pocket of Salazar, who had his back turn against his defender. Francisco then went for the fastbreak play, but the basket was nullified, as the referee had already charged Fernando a preemptive foul near midcourt. Players missed the referee’s whistle, as KFC supporters let go a loud cheer after the steal.

Francisco had to settle for two free throws in the last 18.3 seconds, but missed both. However, Durant got an offensive rebound, and although he muffed a shot underneath, Maranan grabbed another board and this time wasted a few more seconds before getting fouled. He then drilled both charities for the insurance and San Roque faltered on its attempt to send the game in overtime when Arnold Capuli missed a triple on the other end.

Meanwhile, the second game between Mawati and Docomo was rescheduled, as it rained before the match started.

KFC 69 – Francisco 25, Durant 19, Maranan 14, Tinio 6, Deleon Guerrero 3, Salas 2.

San Roque 66 – Fernando 27, Odicta 11, Mc. Achas 11, Salazar 10, Capuli 3, Villanueva 2, Lagado 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-19, 36-40, 50-53, 69-66.