Tsingtao beats Connie’s in finale

Tsingtao’s Jetzen Jandoc, left, draws a foul from Connie’s BBQ’s Benjie Esmores during their title game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Sunday night at the Civic Center Court. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Tsingtao Boyz squeezed out a 74-71 win over Connie’s BBQ in the championship game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Sunday night at the Civic Center Court.

Tsingtao went 3-for-4 from the foul line in the closing seconds of the exciting finale to escape with the title victory. Mark Demonteverde had a split to break the 71-all deadlock, while Ramsa Tenepere made both his charities to ice it for Tsingtao.

The two free throws were the only baskets Tenepere made, but they counted the most, as he delivered under pressure after drawing a foul from Darwin Barbo with five seconds left in the game.

Following Tenepere’s perfect performance from the stripe, Connie’s BBQ sued for time to map out its final play. However, Connie’s BBQ failed to execute when the game resumed, as instead of going for a triple with gunner Kerwin Danao left open from beyond the arc, the team opted to pass the ball to Barbo. The Connie’s BBQ big man then missed on his layup and there was a battle for the rebound, which Tsingtao won and the eventual champion just dribbled down the time to secure the title.

Tsingtao led at the end of each of the first three quarters of the finale, but could not get a sizeable lead, as Connie’s BBQ always found a way to keep the gap close.

Tsingtao took a 24-16 advantage after the first period, behind the 8 markers of Jetzen Jandoc. The forward added 6 in the second frame to keep Tsingtao on top, 40-34. After an impressive first half, Jandoc got into foul trouble and was held to one field goal before eventually fouling out midway in the penultimate frame, which ended with Tsingtao clinging to a 60-58 lead.

After keeping Tsingtao within striking distance in the first three periods, Connie’s BBQ finally caught up with its foe and knotted the count, 71-all, off Boboy Centina’s basket.

However, Connie’s BBQ failed to complete the comeback, as it committed costly fouls down the homestretch and Tsingtao capitalized by making the important free throws.

Jandoc led the way for Tsingtao with his 16 points, while Peter Ariar, Jonathan Broncano, and Tenepere also finished in twin digits with 14, 13, and 10, respectively. Barbo paced Connie’s after also scoring 16 points.

Tsingtao 74—Jandoc 16, Ariar 14, Broncano 13, Tenepere 10, Demonteverde 8, Pineda 5, Pangelinan 4, Giron 2, Del Rio 2.
Connie’s BBQ 71—Barbo 16, Bongalan 11, Cabang 10, Camacho 8, Deleon Guerrero 6, Esmores 5, Rodriguez 5, Danao 5, Centina 4.
Scoring by quarters: 24-16, 40-34, 60-58, 74-71.

Tsingtao players pose for a photo after beating Connie’s BBQ in the championship game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Sunday night at the Civic Center Court. Also in the photo is league commissioner Nelson Samson, standing right. (Kimberly A. Bautista)