Sharks devour Kings, take Game 1 of FIBL series

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time MVP Manoj Chandumal fired 32 points, including four free throws in the dying seconds, to give the Blue Sharks a 69-63 victory over the Kings in Game 1 of their best-of-three title series Sunday at the Makati Coliseum.

Blue Sharks’ Vladimir Singh, who broke a 63-all tie with a corner jumpshot, finished with 14 points, while center Kishore Mirpuri contributed 11 points and 16 rebounds.

The Sharks led, 63-58, before Avin Chulani hit two free throws and Prashant Dargani drained a three-pointer to tie the game with 1:33 left. But the Sharks tightened up on their defense in the ensuing play, forcing Anil Dargani to a wild three-point attempt that badly missed. Chandumal sealed the win from the free throw line.

“Game 1 is always a must win – well, for me,” said Blue Sharks head coach Gabby Velasco. “It took a little pressure off us.”

The Kings took the half at 19-14 and extended their lead to 12 in the second quarter after Chulani hit his fourth three-pointer with five minutes left in the first half.