Two in a row for Ghasias Brothers; Ali’i wins fourth

Ghasias Brothers and Ali’i are on a roll, following their contrasting wins in the 2014 DLX Invitational Basketball League last Friday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.

Ali’i notched its fourth win in as many games after thwarting Flip Top in the curtain-raiser, 77-71, while Ghasias Brothers pummeled Morales Boys in the second match, 121-79, to gain its second straight win after a 0-4 start.

Ghasias Brothers’ Mike Olaitiman goes up high for a layup against Hite Beer’s Alex Lauron in an earlier game in the DLX caging this month at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Ghasias Brothers outgunned Morales Boys in the last three quarters to hand the latter its second loss in as many matches. After keeping up with Ghasias Brothers in the first period and forcing a deadlock, 25-all; Morales Boys failed to counter the former’s hot shooting in the final three frames. Ghasias Brothers hit shots from all corners in the second quarter and established the double-digit lead at the break, 54-43.

The lead ballooned in the second half, as members of the Pelisamen clan alternately bombarded Morales Boys with triples and short jumpers. Freddie Pelisamen led Ghasias Brothers with his 26 points, Jonathan added 16, while Jacob and Ben chipped in 14 and 11, respectively. Three other Ghasias Brothers players scored in twin digits with Mike Olaitiman tallying 16, Michael Laniyo contributing 15, and Joe Acosta logging 10.
Nelson Samson led Morales Boys with his 23 markers.

In the first game, Nate Mateo, Errol Peredo, and Raymond Velasco canned timely baskets in the fourth quarter to foil Flip Top’s comeback bids.

Flip Top played catch up in the fourth, as it lost a 3-point halftime lead when Ali’i’ doubled up the former in the third, 22-11, for a 59-51 advantage. Ron Gamboa and Jun Estolas scored baskets in streaks their attempt to bring Flip Top back in the game, but Mateo and company countered to preserve the lead and the win. Mateo scored 6 points in the fourth, while Peredo and Velasco combined for 9. Peredo hit a triple in the homestretch, while Mateo registered Ali’ last basket and first two.

Peredo top-scored for Ali’i with his 18, while Mateo and Velasco chipped in 16 and 12, respectively. Perry Inos paced Flip Top with his 21 markers, but was limited to 2 field goals in the fourth canto. Inos and company absorbed their second loss in four games.

First Game

Ali’i 77 – Peredo 18, Mateo 16, Velasco 12, Mendoza 11, De Dios 8, Camacho 4, Garcia 3.

Flip Top 71 – Inos 21, J. Estolas 19, Gamboa 19, Capalad 10, Estanislaco 2.

Scoring by quarters: 15-11, 37-40, 59-51, 77-71.

Second Game

Ghasias Brothers 121 – F. Pelisamen 26, Olaitiman 16, Jo. Pelisamen 16, Laniyo 15, Ja. Pelisamen 14, B. Pelisamen 11, Acosta 10, Lisua 6, Ruluked 2.

Morales Boys 79 – Samson 23, Jose 15, Dela Rama 14, Mamaril 12, Dayrit 7, Morales 6.

Scoring by quarters: 25-25, 54-43, 79-61, 121-79.