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KIA Motors eked out a thrilling game against a tough Flamin’Go team, 114-109, in the overtime period to earn them a ticket for the second slot of the best-of-three championship series against Dukhan Ballers for the Division-B of Subaru Cup 2012 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ). |
League officials awarded the second finals berth to KIA Motors based on the quotient system after they dumped the other winner in last Friday’s rubber match, Natsco Garage, with 24-point edge during the third semi-finals game.
Natsco defeated CEG International by an 8-point margin, 84-76, but such was not good enough to catch up with the overall point system when the four teams were in a tight contention at the height of the semi-final rounds.
The 27-point contribution of KIA Motors’ Frederick Acosta complemented by the 18-point production of Arjen Tolentino was the big winning factor for the second finalist team. Acosta was even waxing hot at the start of the game when he rained three successive 3-point play baskets.
The game was tight throughout the four quarters of the game, 16-20, 38-32, 57-70 and-94-all as both teams traded baskets but Tolentino’s seven-point conversions and Aries Jose’s six-point supports was considered by analysts as crucial for their much-needed victory.
It was a painful victory for Natsco Garage even as they unleashed all their might to gain a bigger edge and overcome the higher stake for the second finals slot. Natsco’s main man Ayatolla Guro contributed 18 big points.
Natsco and CEG, however, were engaged in a tight ballgame in the three quarters, 16-15, 35-39, 58-59, until Natsco left behind CEG in the remaining five minutes.
Dukhan Ballers and KIA Motors will start their 3-game championship series on Friday at the Gharafa Training Gym while Natsco Garage and Flamin’Go will face each other for the battle for third place.
At the Division-A, Power Horse Energy Drink will take on Batang Isarog for their own best-of-three championship series while Team Creations and Concepts will face Manila Express Cargo-One Family for the third place trophy.