LIPS come up big in the clutch to beat NAMFREL

With only one slot remaining for the semifinals, action in the Budweiser-Coca Cola 6th UFO Inter-Organizational Basketball League was intense as LIPS-Mobil leaned on clutch plays down the stretch to survive Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

LIPS got a big game from scoring phenom Andres “Jhun” Estolas Jr., who attacked the lanes on many occasions and lit up the scoreboard for 38 points, while grabbing eight rebounds to lead LIPS to an 83-78 victory over NAMFREL-Region V/Sabungero.

Estolas came through whenever his team needed him to. He got off to a decent start with five points in the first quarter while Kevin Cequena knocked in two triples and two free throws as LIPS slip through for a 23-21 lead.

Estolas kicked into higher gear in the next period and punched in nine points, but LIPS was still in the danger zone as NAMFREL kept close courtesy of a balanced attack and their big size advantage in the paint. NAMFREL dominated the boards for many second and third chance opportunities and closed the half down by just five points, 36-41.

LIPS padded their lead to seven points on a couple of occasions in the third quarter as Estolas continued to attack the lane despite his height disadvantage. Estolas and company, however, saw their lead crumble as NAMFREL stormed back and eventually tied the match at 51-51 when Renato Pe knocked in a bucket with 4:08 remaining in the period.

NAMFREL failed to take the lead as they committed consecutive turnovers, which resulted in easy layups for Cequena and Estolas for a 55-51 lead. LIPS held on to their slim lead and headed into the payoff period with a 64-61 spread.

NAMFREL was quick to catch up as the quarter got underway, going on a 5-1 run to pull even at 65-65 with 8:28 left.

Estolas then hit one of two free throws and another runner in the lane for a 68-65 lead. After a Larry Palero basket, LIPS scored two straight and was able to take a five-point lead again, 72-67.

With LIPS putting on their full-court defensive pressure, NAMFREL had troubles getting the ball across halfcourt but still managed to close to within a field goal, 74-76, on a free throw by Palero with 1:51 left.

Two free throws by Estolas and another by Espinosa increased the lead to 79-74 with 1:26 remaining. Pe kept NAMFREL’s hopes alive with two free throws and a 24-second shot clock violation by LIPS opened the door for NAMFREL to possibly tie the game again.

But NAMFREL was not able to pull through as Estolas stole the inbounds pass and LIPS was able to hold on.

Cequena was strong in support with 23 points and nine rebounds for LIPS.

Palero led NAMFREL with 23 points 11 rebounds while Ian Gonzaga had 16 points and 17 rebounds. Noel Sabordo also finished with a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

With the win, LIPS earned a right to face Cavite-Country House in yesterday’s action. Results were not available as of press time. If LIPS wins, the team will automatically earn a slot in the semifinals, joining defending champion Visminda-Tambayan/Nel Atalig, Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense, and Cabalen-RP Construction/Transamerica.

If Cavite wins, though, then the Country Houes-backed squad will face NAMFREL. If Cavite faces NAMFREL and wins, the team heads into the semis.

If NAMFREL beats Cavite, officials will use a quotient points system to determine who advances.

LIPS 83 – Estolas 38, Cequena 23, Villarin 7, Aranda 4, Soriano 3, Abuy 3, Espinosa 2, Artates 2.

NAMFREL 73 – Palero 23, Gonzaga 16, Pe 13, Garcia 11, Sabordo 10, David 3, Doronilla 2.

Scoring by quarters: 23-21, 41-36, 64-61, 83-78.

Referees: Eric Artillaga, Dado Vistal and Noel Delos Santos.