Blue Sharks, Gators dispute FIBL title

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Blue Sharks play the Gray Gators in a winner-take-all for the Filipino Indian Basketball League-Canadian Cup crown tonight at the Ynares Gym in Pasig. Game time is 8 p.m.

The Blue Sharks kept their title-retention hopes alive after beting the Gators, 60-49, in Game 2 last Tuesday night. The Gray Gators scored a lopsided 77-57 victory in Game 1.

“We were more determined, more active, and more physical this time and it paid off,“ said Blue Sharks coach Gabby Velasco.

The two teams were tied at 18-all in the first quarter but the Blue Sharks, behind the efforts of this year’s MVP Manoj Chandumal, Rahul Motwani, and Mahesh Mirpuri, gave the team a slim 29-26 lead at half-time.

The Gators carried a 38-37 lead into the fourth quarter where the Blue Sharks uncorked a 17-1 run in the first six minutes to gain a 51-39 lead and finish pulling away.

Chandumal topscored with 22 points that went with eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

The  former De la Salle player, who also made it to the Mythical 5, got scoring support from Motwani with 10 points and Mirpuri and Ken Pessumal who chipped in seven points each.

The Gators were led by Vladimir Singh, the only Gator to score in double figures (14). Mythical 5 teammate Sajeev Gangwani came up with  17 rebounds and nine points.

Prior to the game, the FIBL , sponsored by Canadian Mfg., makers of quality bed linens, bed sheets, and bath towels, held its awarding ceremonies for the regular season.