BFP’s Richmond Sibal forcing his way near the goal against NHA Marvin Ladia. (WILSON DOMINGO / Photoville International)
PASIG CITY, Philippines — BFP Firefighters forced a deciding quarterfinals game two as Richmond Sibal and Marlon Adolfo led the firemen in destroying the higher seed NHA Builders, 93-81 Sunday night at Ynares Sports Arena.
UNTV Cup is the leading public service channel’s basketball league where cash prizes are donated to charities. It is led by multi-awarded broadcaster and philanthropist Daniel Razon.
Sibal scored 20 points, nine out of 14 from the field, grabbed eight rebounds, issued three assists and a block while his partner Adolfo registered 18 markers, six out of 13 field goals, six out of seven free throws and five rebounds coming off the bench as BFP closed out the third quarter leading for the first and never looked back in the final quarter of the match.
Aside from Sibal and Adolfo, Coach Ramon Garcia received plenty of support from center, Kurt Amores who chipped in 15 points, seven boards, four assists and three steals taking; advantage of the absence of counterpart Marvin Mercado which NHA really felt in the game.
Guard Julius Jayona contributed 15 markers and seven boards, including three triples in the 2nd half in the time BFP is mounting a comeback and controlled the game.
Aside from missing the services of Mercado, Coach Benett Palad had to endure the injuries of ace point guard Waldemar Tibay who hit his head on the floor at the 7:25 mark in the second period then hurt his foot at the 3:13 mark also of the 2nd quarter. Tibay’s finger was also injured in the third period but still managed to finish the game with 14 points.
Antonio Lustestica led NHA in a losing effort of 25 markers but the Builders still has a chance to advance to the semifinals as they had the twice to beat advantage against BFP in their quarterfinals series.
The knock out game is set this Sunday, February 7, 5pm live at Ynares Sports Arena and at UNTV Life.
NHA needs a complete and healthy line up while BFP just have to re-assert their advantages in the winner take all game, where the victor will face the mighty AFP Cavaliers in the semifinals.
Whatever happens, this will be quite an achievement both for NHA and BFP; two second year teams that improved a lot this season. (MARK SUBA)
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