Sixers I remains perfect, secures IVYBL finals berth

Pennant champion San Antonio Sixers I extended its winning streak and remained perfect in the ongoing 2006 Island-wide Village Youth Basketball League and earned a ticket to the finals Wednesday evening at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

San Antonio got a huge lift from Rico Salas in the dying minutes and survived a determined H.O.M. Saints team for a 51-45 victory.

It was a showdown of scoring leaders as scoring champion Luizi Reyes of the Saints knocked in three buckets, while Matt Duenas punched in three field goals and two free throws for the Sixers I. The CTSI Logistics-backed Saints were able to get another bucket from Vince Iglecias, and led 8-7 after the first period.

San Antonio was quick to turn the tables in the second stanza and did so courtesy of a well-balanced attack. Eight cagers were able to put the ball through the hoop and the Sixers I doubled up on the Saints, 18-9, to take the lead and head into the break with an eight-point cushion, 25-17.

The Saints were not ready to call it a season and continued to fight as the second half got underway. Reyes drilled in another three baskets plus a free throw and Iglecias pumped in four points to help the Saints close the third quarter within five points, 30-35.

Zack Tudela and Iglecias tried to bring the Saints closer, combining for 12 points, but their efforts came a bit short as Salas caught fire and waxed hot from the field, burying 12 points to enable the Sixers I to secure their finals berth.

Salas finished with 16 points to lead San Antonio, while Duenas pumped in 14 points.

Reyes led the Saints with a game-high 18 points, while Tudela and Iglecias contributed 13 and 11 points.

Playoffs resume on Wednesday, April 19, with the Chalan Kanoa Kings taking on second-seed G-Rollers I in the other semifinals. The team that falters will face the Saints for third place on Thursday, April 20, while the winner will battle the Sixers I for all the marbles on Friday, April 21.

For more information on the IVYBL, contact Joe Mettao at 664-2500.

Sixers I 51 – Salas 16, M. Duenas 14, Alexander 7, Ajoste 4, Bautista 4, Santos 3, Dela Cruz 2, Palacios 2, Pepito 1.
Saints 45 – L. Reyes 18, Z. Tudela 13, V. Iglecias 11, J. Reyes 2, Tenorio 1.
Scoring by quarters: 7-8, 25-17, 35-30, 51-45.
Referees: Joe Mettao and Jonathan Tenorio.