GLITTERS ESCAPE AMAZING ’09; EXTEND SERIES TO GAME 3

EVERYBODY were expecting that balloons and confetti will fall down on Monday night to celebrate PELCO – Amazing ’09 victory in the Game 2 of the Best-of-3 Finals of the LNA7/USLS Inter-Barkada Basketball Tournament played at the West Negros University gym.

But everyone was wrong when Glitters Production went out and stole the spotlight escaping Amazing down the stretch, 85-81.

Mark Celestial and Luigi Hererra sunk 9 and 8 points, respectively, to open a 25-13 blast in the first quarter as Nic Lopingco and Mitch Sindol scored 6 and 7 each.

In the second quarter, Glitters continue to sizzle as they outscored Amazing 22-16 for a 47-29 lead at the break.

Andrew Torres and Edmund Castellano hit 8 and 6, separately, while their teammate imposed tight defense on Amazing’s top scorer Tim Dumancas and held him to a 9-point quarter production.

In the third period, Jovi Sayson and Blace combined with 8 points to outplay Glitters, 16-12 run.

But, Hans Schulze scored 6 points, all in the shaded lane, to keep Glitters on top at the end of third quarter, 59-45.

In the final period, Dumancas nailed 10 points as Lopingco tallied 11 to cut the lead to a single digit with 2 minute mark. But Celestial scored straight 6 points of his last 7 marker to keep Glitters at distance, 80-74.

Blance was fouled n his way to the basket and completed his free throws, 80-76.

A strong drive to the basket from Dumancas then forced Michael Chan to foul out of the game. Dumancas converted his charities to put Amazing closer, 80-78.

Castellano made a quick counter attack but missed his lay-up as Stephen Escalante picked the lose ball for 2 points and gave the Glitters some breathing room, 82-78.

Then, Sindol attacked from the left wing and attacked Castellano’s defense which sent the latter back to the bench after getting his final foul. However, Sindol split his throw and posted a manageable advantage, 82-79.

Celestial hooked a foul from Dumancas but missed his free throws yet extended Glitters’ slim lead to 83-79 with 12 seconds left in the game.

Lopingo then nailed 2 points to cut the lead anew, 83-81 but Torres was fouled away from the basket but split his charities, 84-81.

Lopingco tried to nail a triple but went far right as Herrera was fouled, but again split his charities.

With 5 seconds left, Amazing tried to hit back a basket but failed as the final buzzer sounded.

Celestial led Glitters with 20 points backed by Castellano 10, Hererra and Torres with 9 apiece and Schulze with 8 points.

On the other hand, Dumancas paced Amazing with 20 points as Lopingco booked 17, Simbol 10 and Blance 8.

Game 3 on Wednesday.*