Upsets mark start of playoffs

Cuadro PS’s Sid Quan drives against Stephen’s Pawnshop’s Jawn Joyner during the second quarter of their playoff game in the San Antonio summer caging last Wednesday at the San Antonio court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Arianne Fish Mart and Cuadro PS stunned their higher-seeded opponents to march into the semifinals of the 2017 San Antonio Summer Basketball League last Wednesday night at the San Antonio court.

No. 5 Arianne defeated No. 4 Marianas Variety in the first playoff game, 97-86, while No. 6 Cuadro PS pulled off an upset over No. 3 Stephen’s Pawnshop in the nightcap, 99-94.

Frank Ferrer delivered clutch baskets for Cuadro PS, knocking 5 of the team’s last 7 points to outclass Stephen’s Pawnshop and hand his team the second semis seat. Sid Quan nailed the 2 other points for Cuadro PS, which battled Stephen’s Pawnshop in a close match all throughout the game.

Ferrer finished with a team-high 29 points, while Marvin Rabauliman and Jun Estolas also had 20-plus outputs to help Cuadro PS negate the 32-point explosion of Stephen’s Pawnshop’s Matt Duenas. Rabauliman chipped in 25 markers, 8 came in the fourth quarter to keep Cuadro PS in the lead and counter Duenas’ multiple baskets, while Estolas added 24—5 where made in the final canto. Ferrer had 10 of his total markers in the payoff period, while Duenas made 14 on a losing effort.

Duenas still top-scored for Stephen’s Pawnshop despite sitting out early in the second quarter after getting a bump on his forehead following collision with Cuadro PS’ Jerome Director. With Duenas on the bench, Cuadro PS managed to grab control of the match, turning a 22-25 deficit to a 45-41 lead at the break. Cuadro PS went on to retain the upper hand at the end of the third, 71-68, thanks to Rabauliman’s 9 straight markers.

However, Cuadro PS could not pull away in the fourth, as Duenas kept Stephen’s Pawnshop afloat before timely baskets from Ferrer sealed the deal for his team.

In the second game, Ken Viray sizzled for 37 points to power Arianne Fish Mart to the 11-point win.

Viray and Sanguyo teamed up in keeping Arianne’s safe distance against the persistent Marianas Variety, as they combined for 16 points in the fourth quarter that started with the eventual winning team ahead by only 6, 74-68.

Sanguyo ended up with twin digits, logging 17 points, while Dexter Guiang and Art Salazar were the other double-figure scorers for Arianne, contributing 15 and 13, respectively.

Ivan Devero had 24 points to pace Marianas Variety, but was without a field goal at the halfway mark of the fourth canto after scoring his team’s first 10 markers in that quarter.

Meanwhile, the single-elimination playoff round will continue tonight with the No. 1 seed Ali’i Blue Haus taking on No. 8 United Ballers in the first game and No. 2 SSFM facing JCN/Cell Pro in the second match.

First Game
Arianne Fish Mart 97 – Viray 37, Sanguyo 17, Guiang 15, Salazar 13, Mangali 7, Mungcal 5, Lilles 3.
Marianas Variety 86 – Devero 24, Fitial 22, Lauron 17, P. Factor 13, A. Factor 8.
Scoring by quarters: 25-25, 54-44, 74-68, 97-86.

Second Game
Cuadro PS 99 – Ferrer 29, Rabauliman 25, Estolas 24, Quan 7, Velasco 4, Guntar 4, Rivera 2, Guniacao 2, Directo 2.
Stephen’s Pawnshop 94 – M. Duenas 32, Aranda 16, De Guzman 13, E. Duenas 8, Dela Rosa 8, Joyner 7, Abuy 6, Rabasto 2, Flores 2.
Scoring by quarters: 22-25, 45-41, 71-68, 99-94.