Slashers beat Stingers in final

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, February 8, 2010

BILLED as the clash of the titans, it definitely lived up to its status and only one team stood at the end of the game.

The Ilonggo Slashers were crowned the champions as they edged the Ilonggo Stingers 72-63 in the final of the Brunei Shell Recreational Club (BSRC) five-on-five Open basketball tournament at the Mumong Sports Complex in Kuala Belait last night.

Geve Leones had a game-high of 19 points to lead the Ilonggo Slashers while Vincent Superio and Elvin Requintin each chipped in 12 points.

On the other hand, Rio Oblido topscored for the Ilonggo Stingers with 13 points.

It was the Ilonggo Stingers that got going early on as they took an 18-14 advantage heading into the second quarter.

However, the Ilonggo Slashers replied in the second period and began to play better defence that saw them take the lead at 34-33 at halftime.

Both teams continued to battle neck and neck with the front court of both sides suffering from foul trouble.

It was down to the wire with the scoreboard reading 53-all going into the final stanza.

With about six minutes left to go, the tides clearly changed as the Ilonggo Slashers began to rally behind Leones, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the competition, as they stormed to victory.

"Our opponents had the height advantage which really made things difficult. In addition, our front court players were suffering from foul trouble but I guess we were lucky in the fourth quarter to go for the win," said Lito Porlahe, the playing coach of the Ilonggo Slashers, in an interview with The Brunei Times, after the victory.

"I'm very satisfied with the performance and so are the players. It's good to pick up our first championship of the year," added Porlahe.

Meanwhile, his counterpart, Rhaul Palma Jr, the head coach of the Ilonggo Stingers, found the defeat hard to swallow as calls by the referees didn't go their way.

"We have to give credit to our opponents but some calls by the referees affected my players. Their frustration got to them and they eventually let the game slip away," said Palma.

"I was telling them to focus and concentrate, but it was too late as the momentum was already with our opponents."

Arnel Aldovino, the chairman of the BSRC basketball committee, said the tournament was a huge success.

"Everything went well and the main aim was to entertain the crowd. The players all showed good sportsmanship and it was all good fun. In addition, the response from the crowd was good as well ... we had a full house for the final," said Aldovino, who was present to give away the prizes to the winners.

"Now we're looking forward to prepare our team to compete in the National Sports Festival (PSK) and we hope we can win the gold after winning silver the last time out," added Aldovino.

A trick shot challenge was also held at halftime with Rollin Castillo of the Ilonggo Stingers bagging the prize.
The Brunei Times