By Jun Rana
The Delaware Titans, playing inspired basketball, put their game together superbly in the second half to defeat No Way, 58-40 in their knockout match for a seat in the championship of the 35 and Over Division of the 2010 PAAD Palaro. With the win, the Titans will meet the GK Warriors in the championship game on August 14.
Before the game, the Titans team captain, Ed Ortega, stressed that it's a win or go home game and he doesn't want to go home. No Way, led by El Persons, took the early lead at 11-6 in the first half. However, the Titans, led by Jeorge Corotan, tied the game at 16-all. At this juncture, Jason Del Rosario, converted a three point shot and Jomar Ugarte added two free throws to gave the Titans a 21-16 lead, time down to four minutes in the first half.
Persons and Marlowe Ulit answered back for No Way to cut the lead of the Titans to 2, at 24-22. That last basket of the Titans before half-time was a three point shot by Karl Ebron. It was also a battle of the cheering fans of the Titans and No Way, especially during the closing minutes of the first half.
In the second half, the Titans then played better defense, better ball movement and fluid offense. Led by Del Rosario, Ed Ortega, Joneil Garcia, Luis Alvarez, Joel Villamor and Ramon Agui, the Titans went on an 18-6 scoring binge to pad their lead to 14, at 42-28, midway in the second half. Villamor, Ortega and Alvarez had one triple each during that span, while Del Rosario provided the muscles inside the shaded area. It was the spurt that the Titans needed, as they were able to resist the counter attack of No Way led by Ulit, Persons and Jay Lizardo.
The closest that No Way was able to reduce the deficit was by 11, when they were trailing 51-40, with 1 minute and 18 seconds remaining. At that point however, it was all over as No Way could not buy a basket while the Titans continued to hit their shots, especially at the free throw line.
Villamor put an exclamation point on the Titans victory with a last second 3-point shot vindicating himself for his missed game-winning basket during their first meeting with No Way. And after the dust of the battle cleared, the Titans emerged victorious, 58-40.
It was a sweet win for the Titans who will battle for the championship against the GK Warriors on Saturday, August 14. After several years of not being in the finals, the Titans will relish the rare opportunity to become a champion once again.
Box Scores:
58 – Delaware Titans: Jason Del Rosario, 14; Ed Ortega, 12; Jeorge Corotan, 9; Ramon Agui, 6; Karl Ebron, 5; Luis Alvarez 3; Joneil Garcia, 3; Joel Villamor, 3; Jomar Ugarte, 2; Willie Fontano, 1
40 – No Way: El Persons, 13; Marlowe Ulit, 13; Jay Lizardo, 6; Mike Vergara, 3; Norman Aquino, 2; Ramil Magpantay, 2, Riki Makasakit, 1
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