Pichay top poll ad spender, says report
The Nationals shone on both ends of the floor to pull off the big win and extend their magical ride in the tournament that was supposed to be a mere learning process for higher goals ahead.
With the victory over the formerly unbeaten Lebanese squad, the Nationals can now even make the finals.
“We were playing our fifth game in five days and lacking one player (injured Tony dela Cruz), yet we found a way to win. All of these are the result of our fighting heart,” said RP coach Chot Reyes.
Mark Caguioa’s 25 points led four other Nationals in double figures but the fiery offensive touch was not the only factor that played a big role in the win.
Dondon Hontiveros, Caguioa and Danny Seigle anchored the defense on Blue Star’s explosive import William Pippen while Kerby Raymundo, Rico Villanueva and Ranidel de Ocampo alternated in stifling the Lebanese’s most feared player, Fadi El Khatib.
Khatib still wound up with game-highs of 28 points and 10 rebounds but his impact was only felt during the third quarter. Pippen, meanwhile, was held to just eight points, 17 less than his tournament average.
As a result, the Nationals led by as many as 18 points before repeatedly quashing the Lebanese’s uprisings in the second half.
PBA commissioner Noli Eala, who, together with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director nominee Patrick Gregorio, flew in just before noon Friday, was impressed no end by the way the Nationals handled the generally taller, heftier Lebanese.
“I like the energy of our players. They also played with so much heart and a lot of pride,” said Eala. “Now, they’re achieving things that were desired but not expected. At this point, everything is gravy.”
The Nationals and
The Syrians, led by a shot-blocking demon in Bernard Jons, co-import Julious Nwosu and three players of Brazilian origin, beat San Miguel-RP, 114-80, the first time they met in the eliminations Tuesday.
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