Bostolits, ICC Pharmacy book semifinal tickets

CEBU, Philippines - Eddie Roma converted a buzzer-beating fastbreak layup as Bostolits escaped with a heart-pounding 83-81 victory over MD Pimentel Customs Brokerage to advance into the semifinal round of the Saturday Club basketball tournament at the Quiot Sports Complex.

Bostolits led by only four points after the first period, 21-17, but ripped the game apart with a 45-29 bulge at halftime.

Just when everybody thought that it would be a stroll-in-the-park for Bostolits, the Pimentel Brokers staged a furious rally in the third period behind the leadership of power-forward Richard Gubaton to trim the deficit to nine points, 53-62, going into the final quarter.

Pimentel sustained its momentum to tie the count at 81-all on Gubaton’s free throws with six seconds left in the contest, but Roma came to Bostolits’ rescue just in the nick of time, thanks to a nifty assist by witty playmaker Michael Malalay.

Roma posted a game-high 21 points for Bostolits, while Lito Masayas and Malalay connived for 30 markers. Budak Santiago donated 13 points.

Gubaton paced Pimentel with 27 points followed by Glen Allerita with 20.

Earlier, the ICC Pharmacy scored a 96-73 rout of the St. Vincent behind the tandem of Loloy Villaren and Roebucks Lasque, who finished with 20 and 17 points, respectively.

 Bostolits and ICC Pharmacy, thus, completed the semifinal cast alongside early qualifiers Our Lady of Fatima and H &C Sand and Gravel Dealer. (GGM)

The scores

First game

ICC Pharmacy (96) - Villaren 20, Lasque 17, Francisco 11, Arsola 10, Palma 10, Ehrol 10, N. Celestial 8, Dela Peña 8, B. Celestial 2

St. Vincent (73) - Sevellejo 22, Trazona 21, McFritz 8, Abellar 8, Español 5, L. Dela Peña 4, Ararao 3, Leopats 2

Bostolits (83) - Roma 21, Masays 16, Malalay 14, Tantiado 13, Patrimonio 9, Bonbon 2, Eismar 2, Palanas 2, Naces 2, De la Peña 2

Pimentel (81) - Gubaton 27, Allerita 20, Malubay 8, Arguedo 6, Visitas 6, Nards 6, Gaite 4, Piza 2, Manubag 2   (FREEMAN NEWS)