KFC/Taco Bell, Athlete’s Foot in semis

Athlete’s Foot and KFC/Taco Bell booked the first two semifinal tickets in the 2009 Navy Hill Friendship Basketball League following their separate wins Thursday night at the Gaparan Basketball Court.

The sixth-seeded Athlete’s Foot stunned the second-ranked Docomo in the second game, 104-92.

Docomo played in the playoffs sans gunner Ponce Rasa, leaving Ryan Sanciangco to carry most of the load the team. Worse, big man James Lee fouled out in the opening minutes of the fourth period when Docomo was making a comeback.

In contrast, Athlete’s Foot had a balance offense and the luxury of shuffling its players en route to a 12-point win.

The game was tied after the first period and at halftime, and was still close at the end of the third period with Athlete’s Foot ahead by only a hair, 74-73.

Athlete’s Foot led by as much as 10 points midway in the fourth period until straight baskets from Sanciangco moved Docomo within four, 91-95, with 1:33 left on the clock.

But that was the closest that Docomo could get, as it missed a couple of layups and free throws, and committed consecutive turnovers in the closing minutes.

Athlete’s Foot sealed the win from the 15-foot line, going 5-for-8.

Elmer Esdrelon top-scored for Athlete’s Foot with 27 points, while Nate Mateo added 20. Krisgel Arreza and Jawn Joyner contributed 15 and 12 markers, respectively.

Sanciangco exploded for 48 points, making 16 in the fourth quarter, which saw Docomo running out of steam, as it had only three players scoring in the payoff period.

Docomo is out of contention, while Athlete’s Foot advanced to the semis and will meet the winner of the Rollers-Inchcape tiff, which will be played tonight.

In the first game KFC/Taco Bell sent MBI to the showers via a 99-92 win in the kick off of the single-elimination playoff round.

KFC/Taco Bell had a good start behind Larry Palero’s nine first quarter points to take a 28-19 lead after 10 minutes of play.

KFC/Taco Bell kept the lead, finding ways to stop MBI’s repeated comeback bids.

Bonbon Cadagat finished with a team-high 19 points, while three of his teammates also contributed double figures. Mel Capalad chipped in 12, while Sonny Lerio and Palero added 11 apiece.

J.R. Barrios led MBI’s losing effort, making 20 markers.

KFC/Taco Bell will aim for a finals seat next week when it faces the winner of the Dollar Days- IT&E. playoff match.

KFC/Taco Bell 99 – Cadagat 19, Capalad 12, Lerio 11, Palero 11, Concepcion 9, Mendez 9, Itaas 7, Itibus 6, Hugos 4, Alcantara 4.

MBI 92 – Barrios 20, Mateo 13, Jung 12, Pagarao, 12, Llagas 9, Capalad 6, Aranda 4, Apelo 2.

Scoring by quarters: 28-19, 56-51, 79-76, 99-91.

Athlete’s Foot 104 – Esdrelon 27, N. Mateo 20, Arreza 15, Joyner 12, G. Masga 6, De Vero 4, Fernandez 4, U. Mateo 4.

Docomo 92 – R. Sanciangco 48, Diaz 12, Miranda 10, Lee 10, Chan 2, Hamoy 2.

Scoring by quarters: 30-all, 50-all, 74-73, 104-92.