McDonald’s, Tan Holdings advance

McDonald’s McClain Achas drives against Saipan Ice’s Derrick Rangamar, left, and Ben Olopai during the fourth quarter of their playoff game in the JP World caging last Monday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

McDonald’s and Tan Holdings took the first two semis seats in the 2nd JP World Corp. Customer Appreciation Basketball League following their contrasting wins last Monday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.

Tan Holdings eased past Mariana Resort in the curtain-raiser, 100-80, while McDonald’s pulled off a 77-74 victory against Saipan Ice & Water in the nightcap to march into the Final Four. Incidentally, Tan Holdings and McDonald’s will battle in the best-of-three semifinals.

McDonald’s arranged a semis date with the top-seeded Tan Holdings as the former played steady in the homestretch, relying on Michael Achas’ three free throws and a big defensive stop from Gil Gapor to eliminate the feisty Saipan Ice crew.

Michael made his first free charity at the 1:37 mark of the fourth canto to give McDonald’s more breathing room, 75-72. Earlier in the last three minutes of the game, Michael’s brother McClain broke the last deadlock in the match with a layup against Ben Olopai, 74-72.

A daredevil basket from Treat Kaipat moved Saipan Ice within one, 74-75, and they had a chance to grab the lead after McClain was called for a traveling violation in the ensuing play. However, Saipan Ice turned the ball over as Derrick Rangamar was double teamed by Joe Ayuyu Jr. and Gil Gapor and the latter eventually stole the possession.

Fortunately for Saipan Ice, McDonald’s also lost the leather when Michael went for an isolation play and dribbled to his foot, causing the ball to roll out of the baseline, down to the last 25.6 seconds in the game.

Saipan Ice sued for time and when the game resumed, Kaipat again attacked McDonald’s defense. He missed, while Olopai collared the offensive rebound, but the Saipan Ice big man overshot his mark. John Santy then gave Saipan Ice another offensive rebound, but he had butterfingers as he lost the ball after one dribble at the baseline when he tried to fake off the defense of McDonald’s Sherwin Gaspar.

Clinging to a shaky one-point lead with 12.7 seconds left on the clock, McDonald’s used its last timeout before making the inbound play after Santy’s error. At the resumption of the match, Saipan Ice opted to give up a quick foul on Michael, who calmly sank the two pressure-packed free throws to bring their lead back to 3, 11.4 seconds remaining in the playoff game.

Saipan Ice then called its last time out to set up for the game-tying basket, which Derrick Rangamar attempted. The former MMA fighter received Olopai’s inbound pass at the right key and was up against Gapor and Michael. He faked off the two McDonald’s defenders, but Michael and Gapor did not bite to the bait and instead raised their arms to challenge Rangamar’s shot. Gapor went on to partially block Rangamar’s attempt and there was a scramble for the loose ball after that big defensive stop. The leather rolled down to McDonald’s frontcourt with Rangamar, Michael, and Kaipat chasing the ball. Kaipat eventually picked up the ball, but was still at McDonald’s court when time expired.

Meanwhile, Tan Holdings took the easier route to the semifinals after leading in the game right at the get-go.

Tan Holdings built a 24-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter behind the 8 points of Elmer Esdrelon and increased the lead as the game progressed with Matt Duenas, Jarret Matsutaro, and Paul Quizon also hitting their targets in the last three periods.

Duenas top-scored for Tan Holdings with his 26 points, while Esdrelon chipped in 21, and Quizon and Matsutaro contributed 14 and 12, respectively.

Meanwhile, MBI/KFC and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. dispute the third semis seat tonight, while Joeten and Docomo square off for the remaining Final Four berth.

First Game
Tan Holdings 100 – Duenas 26, Esdrelon 21, Quizon 14, Matsutaro 12, Macoto 10, Rivera 9, Nonato 4.
Mariana Resort 80 – Manglona 27, Fidelino 26, Francisco 13, Bansil 4, Lacbayo 4, Capuli 3.
Scoring by quarters: 24-18, 48-30, 71-58, 100-80.

Second Game
McDonald’s 77 – Mi. Achas 22, J. Achas 21, Mc. Achas 20, Gapor 8, Gaspar 5, Ayuyu 1.
Saipan Ice 74 – Rangamar 25, Kaipat 14, William 14, Santy 11, Olopai 4, Welson 4, Iguel 3.
Scoring by quarters: 22-18, 44-41, 62-57, 77-74.