Mobil survives Crystal Pure in OT

  Mobil started a streak for the first time after eking out a 91-90 victory over Crystal Pure/Mekeni Abe in overtime during the second game in the 2nd Domino Lux International Fraternity/Miller Lite Basketball Invitational Friendship League last Monday night at the Gualo Rai Basketbal Court.

Jun Estolas went 1-for-4 from the foul line in the closing seconds of the extension, while Crystal Pure’s Kae Bernardo missed two charities, giving Mobil its second straight win and third overall in four games. Mobil failed to have a winning run early after having two straight rained-out matches.

The Mobil-Crystal Pure game was tied last at 90-all after Sonny Lerio made fastbreak layup, with less than a minute left in overtime. Then in the ensuing play, Estolas was fouled but missed both free throws only to get the ball back before being fouled again. This time, however, he split his charities.

Behind by only one, 90-91, Crystal Pure had 18 seconds left to make a play, but failed to complete it. Lerio started the attack, attempting for a jumper near the foul line, but at the last minute decided to make a drop pass to Bernardo, who then drew a foul on Bart Demapan. Bernardo muffed both free throws and Mobil controlled the rebound and did a great job moving the ball around without being fouled in the last 12 seconds.

Estolas top-scored for Mobil with his 38 points, while Demapan added 13. Gyles Ruluked and Ernie Moises also finished in double figures with 12 and 11, respectively. Angelo Fernando was the fifth Mobil player to score in twin digits with 10 and almost gave his team the victory in regulation.

Fernando pulled up for a jumper from the foul line and made the shot, but referees nullified the basket, saying the 24-second shot clock was already off when he released the jumper. The play started at the 28.9-second mark of the fourth period and after the shot went in, the clock read at 4.3 seconds. Crystal Pure had the last shot in regulation, but Lerio missed a long jumper, bringing the game in overtime.

Lerio led Crystal Pure’s (1-4) losing cause with his 28 points.

Shirley’s 67, Smart Cagers 55

In the first game, Shirley’s Coffee Shop improved to a 2-4 record after dominating Smart Cagers/Ali’i.

The match was close in the first half with the Smart Cagers behind by only three, 22-25, before Shirley’s pulled way in the third period, outscoring the former, 23-10. Marvin Rabauliman, Jerome Norita, and Ben Petersberg teamed up in the third quarter-breakaway, combining for 17 of Shirley’s total output for a 46-32 lead.

Then in the fourth period, Rabauliman was still at it, adding seven more points to finish with a team-high 21 markers. J.R. Barrios and Norita contributed 13 and 12, respectively.

Errol Peredo was the lone bright spot for Smart Cagers (2-4) with his 24 points. Joy Dayrit had 10, but scored only when the game was already decided.

First Game

Shirley’s Coffee Shop 67 – Rabauliman 21, Barrios 13, Norita 12, Berline 6, Ito 6, Petersberg 5, Gabaldon 2.

Smart Cagers/ Ali’i 55 – Peredo 24, Dayrit 10, Gamboa 7, Inos 5, De Dios 5, Usi 4.

Scoring by quarters: 15-14, 25-22, 48-32, 67-55.

Second Game

Mobil 91 – Estolas 38, Demapan 13, Ruluked 12, Moises 11, Fernando 10, Abuan 3, Mallari 2, Reyes 2.

Crystal Pure 90 – Lerio 28, Bernardo 19, Miranda 18, Yabut 10, Cadag 9, Diyco 5.

Scoring by quarters: 15-18, 45-46, 68-64, 81-81, 91-90.