Leones lifts Palm past ABMS

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN


Monday, November 16, 2009

PALM CAFE left it till late to defeat ABMS 96-78 in their Group A match of the regular seven stars category of the LBC Cup at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat yesterday.

Billed as the final preview of the tournament, Geve Leones had a game-high 29 points for Palm Cafe and Danny Felicilda contributed 19 points.

On the other hand, Don Dadis Mordeno led ABMS with 24 points and Rhoy Binas chipped in 20.

Palm Cafe were in the driving seat for most of the game until ABMS picked up their full court man-to-man pressure defence that allowed them to rally in the fourth quarter to tie the match at 69 apiece with seven minutes left in the game.

However, a well rested Leones took charge to carry his team in the closing stages of the game dishing the ball to his open teammates after drawing multiple defenders.

ABMS were made to rue their missed chances as they found it difficult to convert their shots.

In addition, exhaustion crept in and they couldn't catch up with the faster Palm Cafe team resulting in their first loss in the competition.

"We were very lucky especially that all the players stepped up and gave it their best in the game. They played well and followed all the instructions that were given," said Lito Porlahe, the playing coach of Palm Cafe, after the victory.

Porlahe rested Leones in the third quarter and this allowed ABMS to get back into the game.

ABMS used the opportunity to reduce their half time 54-41 deficit to 67-61 going into the final stanza.

"I had to sit him (Leones) out to prepare for the crucial final quarter. I went with the smaller line up then to make it a fast game," explained Porlahe.

"Overall I am satisfied with the performance as we didn't get any practice last week. I believe we stand a chance to win the competition if we can keep it going at this rate."

In the day's early game, GILR Wildcats notched up their third straight win with an 82-68 triumph over Liga Bumiputera in Group B.

Randolf Vinas topscored for the Wildcats with 29 points while Jamri Ramlee led Liga Bumiputera with 16 points.

MK Super Kids, meanwhile, easily overcame Nueva Ecija Patriot 78-52 in their 45 years old and above match.

Rey Abieras led MK Super Kids with 15 points.

source: The Brunei Times