Sixers stop Phenoms to bag Rotary league title

The San Antonio Sixers ruined Phenom’s bid for a third straight title, 79-63, to claim their 2nd title in five years. Their first title came in 1996 when they shocked perennial powerhouse Ol’Aces team, who sought a record 4th consecutive title.

Enroute to the championship, the Sixers had to defeat a powerful Ol’Aces squad, 74-70, to earn a spot in the finals. In the opening tip off, both teams displayed a lot of jitters as both teams kept missing open shots and lay-ups. Neither team could mount a huge lead in the first half as the Sixers managed to hold on to a slim 29-28 lead.

In the second half, regular season MVP scoring champion, Freddy Pelisiman, began asserting himself on the offensive as he began to score at will against the Sixers zone defense.

With 9:42 left and Phenoms up 52-50, Pelisiman got hurt and had to be taken off the court. As Pelisiman sat helplessly, the Sixers began exploring weaknesses in the Phenom’s 1-2-2 defense, as John Sablan repeatedly found Shane Villanueva on the top on the key for an open shot, or Villanueva finding Charm Rengiil for an open lay-up.

Pelisiman came in back but championship MVP, Henry Sablan, began asserting himself, making 3 consecutive baskets while being fouled and converting on all his foul shots.

For the game, Sablan finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds while teammate John Sablan was the high point man with 29 points.

In a losing effort, Fred Pelisiman, amassed 35 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocked shots to lead the Phenoms.

In the consolation game, the Ol’Aces defeated Get Covered Surf 68-62 to claim 3rd place. For the winners, Gyles Ruluked led the way with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists, while Get Covered Surf’s Peter Mendiola pumped in 17 points and made 8 rebounds.