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Armatech wins Miller Lite championship
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Posted on Jun 26 2011
Armatech secured the championship in the 5th Miller Lite Friendly Invitational Basketball League after defeating Soul Jazz in the one-game finals, 78-66, on Saturday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.
Yosh Gabaldon saved his best for last, showing an A game in the most important match in the competition. The former CNMI Nationals member scored 17 points, making 15 of them from the three-point area and helping Elmer Esdrelon carry the cudgels for Armatech
Gabaldon drained two three-pointers in the first quarter, while his teammates Elmer Esdrelon and Bruce Berline combined for 13 markers to give Armatech a 19-17 cushion after 10 minutes of play.
In the second canto, it was Bernardo Montano’s turn to contribute to Armatech’s cause, as he delivered eight points off the bench. With Montano making it to the scoreboard in the second period, Armatech built a double-digit lead at halftime, 43-33.
Armatech did not look back in the second half and even maintained a double-digit lead by the end of the third period. 57-46. Gabaldon added two more three balls in the third frame to keep Armatech’s distance.
Then in the final quarter, Armaetch strategically milked the clock and later made six free throws to seal the win.
Esdrelon and Gabaldon combined for 36 points, while Soul Jazz’s Freddie Pelisamen and Gyles Ruluked tallied 15 points apiece.
Gabaldon was later awarded the Final MVP trophy, while Peter Crisostomo of Armatech took the Best Coach award.
The Mythical Five were also named after the title game and making it to the elite list were Berline and Esdrelon, Ruluked, and Saipan World Resort’s Dennis Vinas and Banjo Basila. World Resort took the third place trophy after a no-show from Cargo Express- Sea Bridge in the consolation match before the finals.
[B]Armatech 78[/B] – Esdrelon 19, Gabaldon 17, Berline 14, De Vero 14, Montano 10, Rebuyon 4.[B] Soul Jazz 66[/B] – Pelisamen 15, Ruluked 15, Je. Mina 10, Inos 9, Aquino 6, Jr. Mina 6, Johanes 5.
[B] Scoring by quarters: [/B]19-17, 43-33, 57-46, 78-66.
