Jeremiah, Ezekiel advance to finals

Manuel Ajoste of Jeremiah gave fans something to remember him by as he came up with the biggest play of the semifinals in the Filipino Community Church Inaugural Inter-Color Basketball League Monday night.

With the game knotted at 76-76, Ajoste released a long jumper from near the half-court line and was able to sink the shot with about four seconds remaining to push his team to the finals with a 79-76 victory against Nehemiah.

Ajoste, known for his performances in youth cage leagues, had a superb evening as he wound up pouring in 30 points to lead his team. Julius Dela Luya also pumped in 18 points, while Jaylee Roman and Joel Javier added 12 and 11 markers for Jeremiah.

Jeremiah had to work hard just to get into position to win the game as Nehemiah put up a solid opening attack and also rallied in the dying minutes of the game.

Nehemiah held a seven-point edge after the first period, 17-10, and maintained the advantage at halftime, 31-25, as Melvin Capalad kept his team ahead with 14 points in the half.

The lead soon turned into an eight-point deficit as Ajoste and company surged back with a fury. Ajoste, who had 10 points in the first half, exploded for 13 in the third period. Roman worked for eight points, while Dela Luya and Javier each had seven markers spearheading a 35-point burst. With their offense on turbo mode, Jeremiah headed into the final quarter ahead, 60-52.

Not happy with the turnaround, the Nehemiah cagers regrouped and battled back. The bout seemed to be headed for extra session when Ajoste played a superhero and came through.

Capalad finished with 20 points to lead Nehemiah, while Erick Lansangan and Jon Artates contributed 13 points apiece. Johnny Badiles and Mark Llagas also had 12 points apiece.

In the second game, Ezekiel earned the right to face Nehemiah by getting past Isaiah, 83-71.

The task was far from being a walk in the park for Ezekiel as the team had to hold off the determined Isaiah cagers, who put up a strong attack in the final minutes just to fall a bit short.

Ezekiel dominated the first period as Gilbert Miranda pumped in eight points, while his team played tough defense to open with a 19-5 lead.

The lead grew to 17 points by halftime, and ballooned to 19 points after three quarters of play as center Marlon De Dios and Rocyl Ritual took care of business.

The game was played at night but it was not long when the lead evaporated as the sizzling play of Isaiah enabled the team to pull to within seven points. Noel David went off for 11 points, Manolo Manalo and Meljhun Capalad added nine and seven points, but Isaiah’s 33-point effort was not enough to bring down Ezekiel.

De Dios and Ritual led Ezekiel with 21 and 18 points, while Miranda and Bert Sanciangco added 15 and 10 points.

Manalo and David led Isaiah with 17 and 15 points. while Capalad added 13 points. Jojo Guinto and Jon Ong also had 12 and 10 points.

First Game

Jeremiah 79 – Ajoste 30, Dela Luya 18, Jayl. Roman 12, Javier 11, Sicat 4, Jayc. Roman 2, Jose 2.

Nehemiah 76 – Capalad 20, Lansangan 13, Artates 13, Llagas 12, Badiles 12, Canlas 6.

Scoring by quarters: 10-17, 25-31, 60-52, 79-76.

Referees: Gilbert Espinosa and Eric Artillaga.

Second Game

Ezekiel 83 – De Dios 21, Ritual 18, Miranda 15, Sanciangco 10, Carreon 9, Larinay 6, Dela Mines 4.

Isaiah 71 – Manalo 17, David 15, Capalad 13, Guinto 12, J. Ong 10, Padolina 2, N. Ong 2.

Scoring by quarters: 19-5, 36-19, 57-38, 83-71.

Referees: Eric Artillaga and Gilbert Espinosa.