TBK rallies past Pelicans

TBK’s Junar Guiab draws a foul on the Pelicans’ Trevor Ogumoro in the closing seconds of their game in the MDX caging last Wednesday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court. (ROSELYN B. MONROYO)

TBK pulled off a come-from-behind win against the Pelicans, 72-68, in the 2014 MDX Amateur Radio Club Basketball League last Wednesday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.

TBK stole the victory in the fourth quarter behind the contributions of Francis Rebuyon and Ivan Devero. Rebuyon had 10 of his 18 points in the final canto, while Devero matched the former’s output in the fourth frame after a so-so performance in the first three quarters.

Devero’s fifth basket in the quarter gave TBK a 3-point lead, 71-68. He drilled the crucial basket after receiving an entry pass from Junar Guiab and with the 24-second shot clock ticking down.

After Devero’s drive, the Pelicans sued for time and was left with 17.4 seconds to pull up for a 2-point field goal to remain in the game or attempt for a triple to force a tie. Leo Galarse chose the latter attempting a quick trey and missed with the ball bouncing off the rim and going above the board, returning possession to TBK.

The Pelicans then gave up a preemptive foul, sending Guiab to the 15-foot line. Guaib muffed the first charity, but made the second for the insurance, seven seconds remaining on the clock. The Pelicans pulled up for another triple, but Edwin Camacho also faltered on the desperation shot, while TBK ran down the clock.

TBK managed to win after fighting back from a 14-point halftime deficit, 27-41. It started rallying back in the third quarter, scoring 22 points against only 15 from the Pelicans, to bring the lead down to single digit, 49-56. Christian Devero and Guiab teamed up in the third period, combining for 13 of their total points to bring TBK back into the game.

Then in the fourth quarter, it was the pair of Ivan Devero and Rebuyon who towed TBK, alternately hitting baskets that cost the Pelicans the game. The Pelicans lost the lead and the game after hitting only five field goals and drawing only two field goals and 5 points from Galarse. Trevor Ogumoro paced the Pelicans with his 13 markers.

Meanwhile, in the second game, San Antonio beat Docomo, 71-63.

TBK 72 – Guiab 18, Rebuyon 18, I. Devero 14, Mateo 8, C. Devero 4.
Pelicans 68 – Brennan 18, Ogumoro 13, Reyes 12, Ajoste 8, Galarse 5, Camacho 5.
Scoring by quarters: 15-19, 27-41, 49-56, 72-68.