Finance/Shipping draws even with Casino Titans

Center Michael “Cool Guy” Torregosa frolicked inside and helped contain Casino Titans slotman Ringo Reyes as Finance/Shipping leveled its best-of-three championship series in the 7th Annual Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino Inter-Departmental Basketball League at a game apiece.

With a good Sunday crowd on hand at the TDHC staff housing basketball court last July 20, Finance/Shipping kissed the horrors of their 71-91 Game 1 loss goodbye by pounding Casino Titans, 75-63.

Even before the start of the game, Casino Titans appeared primed to take home the championship as league organizers were present and the 2008 season’s trophies were all ready for the possible awards ceremony if the team completes a sweep.

But Finance/Shipping playing coach Robert Mayshle would not allow the celebrations to begin just yet as he motivated his players to be the aggressors right from the get-go.

His players responded well and led by Torregosa, Finance/Shipping seized the lead after the opening quarter, 18-8.

The team seemed to have the number of their Game 1 tormentors as they continued to occupy the driver’s seat and headed into halftime with a 41-32 spread.

Despite constant double and triple teams, Torregosa was unstoppable inside and led Finance/Shipping’s assault in the third that increased their lead to 15 whopping points, 55-41, heading into the fourth and final quarter.

While Torregosa was having his way in the shaded lane, his counterpart from the Casino Titans, Reyes, was struggling big time as none of his shots were falling through the net.

With their inside man a non-factor, Casino Titans continued to grope for form in the final 10 minutes of the ballgame and that allowed Finance/Shipping to force a do-or-die third game following the 12-point defeat.

Torregosa went on to lead Finance/Shipping with 36 points, while Dave “Pekto” Ramirez paced Casino Titans in the loss with 22 markers.

In the opener, 2006 MVP Noel Sabordo scored 24 points to lead F&B Service to a 95-89 victory in the battle for third over dethroned champion F&B Chefs.

F&B Service 95 – Sabordo 24, Gammad 21, Fernandez 15, Pavino 12, Flores 10, Gilber 8, Garcia 3, Catalan 2.

F&B Chefs 89 – J.P. Garcia 31, Manalo 19, Mabansag 17, Joey Garcia 11, Apostol 5, Capungan 4, Mallari 2.

Scoring by quarters: 18-16, 41-39, 67-63, 95-89.

Referees: Romy Libut, Mario Morilla, Don Sarmiento.

Finance/Shipping 75 – Torregosa 36, Bustillos 13, Espiritu 12, Piol 7, Rosales 7.
Casino Titans 63 – Ramirez 22, Ringo 13, Awa 7, Advincula 6, Camero 5, Que 4, Alegro 4, Bernal 2.

Scoring by quarters: 18-8, 41-32, 55-41, 75-63.

Referees: Romy Libut, Mario Morilla, Don Sarmiento.