Doha: A follow up shot by Joker Camson of Batangas Inihaw Republic after grabbing the ball from the board with 11 seconds left in the overtime sealed their hard-earned victory over Bataan Dukhan Ballers, 84-82, to capture the Ooredoo Ambassador’s Cup 2016 title of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) on Friday at the Al Gharafa Training Gym.
Camson’s close to a buzzer beating basket spelled the difference for their big win after a missed jumper by team mate Nino Gelig from an assist by Eric Tamayo. Bataan’s Raf Villegas tried a three-point shot but missed with still 20 seconds left from the assist of Rey Solomon who took the defensive and throw and quick crossover pass to him. Batangas’ point guard Tamayo paved the way for their victory after he went on perfect from the line in the charity shots from a foul by Viillegas with 1:10 left.
Both teams traded baskets and refused to give in in the hotly-contested shooting war all throughout the game that lead changes between each team could only reach as close as three to five points.
Tamayo was the big factor during regulation time after he equalised the game, 72-all, from an assist by Gelig with 42 seconds left. Gelig himself tried a last ditch jumper from the rainbow territory with two seconds left but the ball rimmed out.
Bataan’s Rodel Mallari was named the Most Valuable Player for the PIBAQ Season 20 tournament as he received a cash award and MVP gold ring courtesy of Diana Jewelry and Watches.
On the other hand, Batanga’s Camson was picked as Finals MVP with Coach Renato DInglasan as Best Coach. Both men received cash awards.
Adding feather to the cap was Batangas’ Ralph Medalla who was named Most Improved and Best Defensive Player and also received a cash award.