BAGUIO CITY – The University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES) regained their composure after suffering two losses to down Mabini Elementary School, 36-31, last December 4 to equalize both team win-loss cards in the elimination round for Elementary Bracket “A” of the YMCA Cup.
UBLES, now with a 2-2 record along with Mabini, had all the chances to pull ahead in the first canto of play. They muscled through to control the game pace, posting a 10-6 run to end the quarter. Mabini, however, started to rally with their big man controlling the boards and posted a 10-8 counter blast in the second canto to chip off the UBLES lead to just two points, 18-16, at halftime.
The game got more exciting at the start of the second half with both squads scrambling for successful defensive strategies that made their team supporters cheering for their efforts. Mabini continued their second wind to tie the score, 24-24, at the end of the third canto of play that made the crowd get to their feet.
The game further intensified at the start of the fourth canto action. Mabini converted the leather to the hoop first to take the race for the driver’s seat 26-24, however, a quick three pointer by UBLES got them advantage back. Mabini answered with their own three pointer to re take the lead and initiate a see-saw battle. Both teams retaliated field goal and the score remains tied at 31-all in the dying minute of the fourth canto.
It is at this point that UBLES turned the tide in their favour with unanswered conversions in the field. They made traded two more field goals to complete a 12-7 fourth quarter edge and take the game, 36-31, at the sound of the buzzer.
Meanwhile, Lucban Elementary gave Headstart Elementary a hard time in their match to post a 48-43 win. Lucban went on a 14-6 run in the first canto of play to take the early lead.
Lucban proceeded in mastering the boards in the second quarter and pulled away by as much as twelve points, 28-16, at the end of the second canto. Headstart was able to take off two points from the lead in the third canto as they posted a 12-10 run.
The ten-point edge, however, was all Lucban need to deny a comeback. Lucban coasted the rest of the way with defensive strategies that paid off combined with a flurry of conversions in the field as they continuously controlled the game to post another win in the elimination round.
By: BOBBY VINLUAN
