Pampanga Dragons downed Jireh Eagle 71-68 in a cliff-hanger to capture the crown of the Aspirants Division in the 19th season of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar.
The story could have been totally different had Jireh’s Assic Urminta converted the basket with two seconds left since they trailed only by a point at 68-69.
Fate was not really kind to them as there was another chance coming when the ball kick out went to reliable Don Tabol who still could not see daylight to convert it from the rainbow territory.
Adding woes to their heart-breaking defeat was the foul committed by Rafael Coronel to Finals Most Valuable Player Rommel Rodriguez who sank the two baskets in the free throw line before the final buzzer.
There was a thundering applause from the fans when the buzzer was sounded as it was after a long time that the team from Pampanga in Central Luzon Philippines had picked up the victory.
It was too painful for Jireh since they had a comfortable lead by 10 points early in the third quarter, 45-35, only to give it all away as the clock slowly ticked away.
William Quinones, Rodriguez’s team-mate who played consistently at the top of his game throughout the season, was named MVP for the season.
Aside from the two MVPs, other players who made it to the elite mythical five selection were Tabol as best guard, Gyrlou Paulin of Junalvin NSTC and Gerald Tan Alipo-on of Lipa Batangas team as best forwards.
Pampanga coach Oliver Miravel was named best coach.
Junalvin won over Lipa Batangas, 70-68, to finish third place.
The PIBAQ 19th Season is presented by Alicafe with the support of Philippine Embassy in Qatar and Qatar Basketball Federation and sponsored by Ooredoo and Diana Jewellery & Watches.