Holy Spirit School Crusaders Team A has gained a finals berth by routing Tagbilaran City Science High School Virus, 71-73, in the penultimate round of the semi finals of the ongoing 15th Bohol Schools Amateur Athletic Association (BSAAA) 5th Graham C Lim Basketball Challenge Sunday at the HSS hard court.
The Crusaders Team A started strong in the game as the diminutive point guard Paul Visarra, tiny Ken Pinos, versatile Vincent Descallar, and the silent operator Cirilo Atabelo combined their firepower and effective strength in defense to make a 10-0 blast with a little over three minutes in the first canto.
But slot man Esmeraldo Tagaytay, the other half of the 1-2 punch of the Virus rose to the occasion when his presence was needed fought gallantly to pour in points for his team to be behind by 12 points, 6-18 at the end of the opening period.
But Visarra and Descallar continued to furiously play in the ensuing 2nd quarter to make a breakaway. The duo was joined by teammates Angelo Rocha, Eman Bruñidor, and Atabelo to erect an 18 point advantage, 34-16, at ceasefire.
But Tagaytay and Manuel Kibir ignited an upheaval as the game went into the 3rd period to closely inch in at 13 point deficit at 32-45.
But Visarra assuming the control of the fluidity of the offensive patterns of the Crusaders Team A, as their main director of plays Jannus Limbaga, was still struggling and could not get his game going, played the game of his life as he outmaneuvered all defensive personnel assigned to him with his three point bombs and razzle dazzle play.
A this juncture, Simon "Mr. Quality Minute Man" Cantoneros connived with Visarra, to successfully fill the void left by the struggling Limbaga, and later collaborated with Descallar and Rocha to finally avenge their opening day loss against the hard fighting Virus of coach Jannelou Israel.
The final score was 71-73.
In another game, Bohol Wisdom School Golden Dragons was declared in forfeiture of their game against BIT IC Jr. Cruisers. But later in the day the former filed their protest against the action of the BSAAA as the schedule given to them was that the game was supposed to be played in the evening. And likewise, they were having their periodical examinations on the time the game was scheduled.
Paul Calizar, BSAAA commissioner, said he will call up a meeting and discuss the merits of the issue.
The 15th BSAAA commissioner, said he will call up a meeting and discuss the merits of the issue.
The 15th BSAAA 5th Graham C Lim Basketball Challenge is ably supported by City Mayor Dan Neri Lim; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hontanosas; First Consolidated Bank; Atty. Gamaliel Bonje; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bas Madanguit; Barangay Council of Booy; Dr. Estela Malanog; Engr. and Mrs. Nanding Singson; Bohol Chronicle; DYRD AM/FM; ex Gov. Rene Relampagos; Grandma's Purified Drinking Water; Dr. Aurora Bas Madanguit; Mr. and Mrs. Luis Castañares; Mr. and Mrs. Efren Jungao; Betsy Plazal Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Remolador; Mr. and Mrs. Gerardo Bas Madanguit; BM Asteria Apalisok Piollo; City Kagawad Beben Inting; Pilo Bumaat; Alturas Supermarket Corporation; and Congressman Edgar M. Chatto.
How they scored:
HSS A 71: Visarra 26, V. Descallar 19, Atabelo 6, Cantoneros 6, Pinos 6, Rocha 4, Bruñidor 2, Limbaga 2.
TCSHS 37: Tagaytay 13, Aranzado 10, Kibir 6, Ybañez 4, Bungabong 2, Sacdalan 2.
Referees: J. Aquino/G. Cabalit.