BAGUIO CITY – Puguis Elementary School Squeaked by Pines Montessori School by just three points, 41-38, during last December 10’s elementary division match-up in front of the filled the YMCA gymnasium’s cheers and howls.
Supporters of Puguis Elementary School and Pines Montessori School were brought to the edge of their seats as both tandems showed good performances that kept the game exciting although out.
When Puguis made its first point of the game, it may have triggered their urge for a better game as they went on to post a 13-9 run to lead by four points at the end of the first quarter. Pines, on the other hand, started the first minute of the second canto with a point from the fifteen foot line that gave them a boost to cut down the Puguis lead. Through tight guarding defense, they limited Puguis to only six points against their nine to end the second quarter just down by one, 19-18.
Pines eagerness to win the game showed immediately in the starting minute of the third with a two pointer and a foul to boot to equalize the score, 21-all. A see-saw game ensued in the third canto of play until the dying minutes of the quarter. PMS however, got a good control of the boards with critical conversions that got them the driver’s seat, 28-25, to lead after the end of the third canto buzzer.
Puguis changed its defensive strategies in the start of the fourth canto. They pushed through with a full court press that made PMS commit turnovers that gave them green light to convert in the field to regain the lead. They were up, 36-35, in the dying minute of the game. Pines tied it all up, 38-all, with only 8.8 seconds time left and both team with fouls still to be given up.
Ephraim Tianga drained a surprise three pointer on Puguis’ last ball possession to finalize the scoreboard, 41-38, as the final buzzer sounded.
Meanwhile, games for the YMCA Inter-School Basketball Tilt will be suspended to give way for the Christmas holidays. The last day of games to be played will be today, December 18, 2016, and shall resume on January 7, 2017.
By: BOBBY VINLUAN