BAGUIO CITY – Ruiz Optical Clinic came out strong in game number 12 of the tournament to beat the Berkeley in a good race to the hoops last March 2, while Hard & light conquered the UCGrad when games started anew at the Floras Cup Basketball tilt last March 2 at the YMCA Gym, here.
Berkeley stepped on the gas early first canto of play and posted a 22-15 lead over ROC at the end of the first quarter. ROC came back strong unleashing two triples from the rainbow line in the starting minutes of the second canto of play to equalize the score, 24-all, a run that started ROC to rally. The followed it up with a 26-15 second quarter run to end the second canto up, 42-37.
Third quarter action saw Berkeley back on their feet as they pumped an 23-18 blast on the field that re-equalize the score at 60-all at the end of the third canto buzzer.
Fourth quarter action also saw both opponents on a see-saw battle until ROC saw an opportunity with a second wind and converted back-to-back baskets to ignite a 34-16 blast against Berkeley and end the fourth canto on a flourish, 94-76, for their first win in bracket “B” of the tournament.
Bracket “A” opponents Hard & light and the UCGrad also saw action in game 11 of the series with UCGrad starting an early lead in the first canto, posting a 25-15 blast, to take a ten point advantage over High & Light early.
Patience, however, meted High & Light in ball distribution that allowed them to shave UCGrad’s lead to seven points in the second canto, 50-43, to the end of the first half bell.
The starting minute of the third canto of play saw Hard & Light sent to the fifteen foot line and a double triple conversion boosted their morale. They retook the driver’s seat on the dying minutes of the third canto by connecting a three pointer to end the third and lead 72-69.
UCGrad grabbed the lead momentarily by coming up with their own triple in the rainbow area and played see-saw until the dying minutes of the fourth canto of play with the score still equalized at 88-all.
UCGrad’s got to the front seat in a minute less left, 91-90, however, Hard & Light got back in the game through the free throw line, 92-91. A change in possession forced UCGrad’s gave a desperate foul to stop the clock sending Hard & Light to the free throw line for two conversions and eventually end the match with a 94-93 count.
By: BOBBY VINLUAN
