DOHA: TCC Stars-Gerry’s Grill pulled away with a double-digit edge over LBC Kentz in the third quarter and never looked back to capture another convincing 77-60 win at the Travelex Cup 2013, Season 14 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar at Al Gharafa Training Gym over the weekend.
TCC Stars’ triggerman Dan Constantino waxed hot with series of three-point baskets which was a big factor why they maintained the double-digit lead in the last quarter.
As they took advantage of LBC Kentz’s several turn-overs.
Holden Caballero and Ronnie Cajayon sparked the big rally early in the third quarter as both TCC Stars reliables traded rainbow and perimeter conversions without let up.
Cajayon, a former UAAP NU Bulldog frontliner, and another former collegiate star Francis Mercado played 40 minutes each tough play amid the tight and highly physical game.
TCC Stars was leading by seven points in the first quarter and the LBC Kentz squad grown sour after SBP national referee Hernando Flores slapped rookie Kim Calo with a technical foul for continuing to complain the call.
Calo however paid back with a buzzer beating three point shot to equalize the low scoring first half at 34-all.
But TCC Stars started to pull away in the third quarter through the heroics of Cajayon and Caballero to reclaim an 11-point advantage, 57-46, in the third quarter.
In the second game, Mindoro Spartans eked out a hard-earned victory against Ertibat-CEG International, 92-87, to regain its standing into the win column after being nailed in the fifth place and improved its chances of making it in the next round.
Mindoro Spartan’s star Michael Paderes played like a raging bull with his 28 points, six rebounds and five assists to lift his team to the much needed victory.
Pocholo Santos and Bryan Tolentino also contributed 19-points each for their team win.
PCSI Specialist-Dukhan Ballers also continued to dominate in the standings with a lopsided victory over Power Horse Energy Drink, 70-58, in the first game.
Mindoro Spartan will face Power Horse while LBC Kentz will square off with CEG in the do-or-die quarter-final match ups on Friday.
The winners will advance to the semi-finals with early qualifiers TCC Stars and Dukhan Ballers.
The Peninsula
