CEBU, Philippines - Rose Aquarius Merchandising officially barged into the semifinals yesterday after scoring a major upset over the erstwhile league-leading Gaisano Capital 92-88 that stretched their winning run to five in the 5th CESAFI Partner's Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.
Games today
(Cebu Coliseum)
5:30 pm Winner Beef Loaf vs. Prime Asia
7 pm Gaisano Capital vs. San Marino
Rose Aquarius whose only loss in the second round of elimination was against the San Marino Corned Tuna, survived a fourth period onslaught by Gaisano Capital, which exploited its height advantage owing it to the intimidating presence of 6-9 beanpole Junemar Fajardo.
Rose Aquarius lost a 12-point lead, but still managed to lead 67-60 at the end of the third period.
Luckily for Rose Aquarius, it still managed to maintain the lead in the entire fourth period even when Gaisano Capital put them under duress as the latter kept on threatening.
Rose Aquarius gunners Fritz Dajalos and Earvin Ferraren did the most damage to Gaisano Capital, which stared at defeat in the final two minutes as they trailed by 10 points, 72-82.
It was on that juncture that Gaisano employed a solid man-to-man defense that instantly worked wonders for them as they erased the double-digit lead in a blitz and one of the most stunning acts was that when Fajardo heaved in a deep triple from the left elbow cutting the lead to just a duo, 88-90 but time was not on their side because Rose Aquarius had still 5.6 seconds to work with the clock. Both teams under penalty, James Ferraren was fouled and hit the insurance free throws, 92-88 as they finished the elimination with an even 6-6 win-loss record.
The loss by Gaisano who now had 9-2 win-loss record, could cost them the number one spot and they are in the must win situation tonight against San Marino.
As of presstime last night, Lion Tiger Aerosol was still playing against San Marino in a bid to grab the top spot.
Dajalos top scored for Rose Aquarius with 17 while Ferraren and Lawrence Marano had 13 points each.
A very elated coach Raul Latonio Sr. said that his team now already knows how to handle endgame pressure.
"Ni-step na na ang maong depensa ug naningkamot pag-ayo sila at least napilde gyud namo ang strongest team karon sa lega."
Fajardo fired 20 points for the short-handed Gaisano Capital while Robinson Mohammad added 17 markers. (FREEMAN)