Brix Estabillo’s clutch teardrop in the dying seconds of Game 2 propelled Cookies & Team past the Richmond Oilers, 85-83, to force a do-or-die Game 3 in their APCRAA Basketball Tournament Season 5 men’s division best-of-three semifinals on Saturday, September 21 at the Asia Pacific College Gymnasium.
Tied at 76-all with only two minutes left in the game, both teams were trading baskets starting with a layup from Cookies’ Ken Villas, followed by two free throw shots by Lorenz Ysulan of the Oilers. Archie Gratil answered with a booming triple to gain a three point lead but a JP Bayog triple sent the game again to its 11th deadlock with only 49 seconds to go in the final frame.
Lester de Luna made a layup before Renzo Macaraeg answered back with a basket, 83-all with 23 seconds left. Cookies milked down the clock then Estabillo attacked the basket with less than 5 seconds remaining with the game-winning clutch shot.
Estabillo finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists while Gratil added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for Cookies.
Renzo Macaraeg led the Oilers with a double-double output of 23 points and 10 rebounds while Jerl Ferrer scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
Game 3 will be played on Saturday, September 28 at 5:00pm.
THE SCORES:
RICHMOND OILERS (83): Macaraeg 23, Tanco 22, Ferrer 21, David 7, Chandnani 5, Bayog 3, Ysulan 2, Galang 0, Conta 0
COOKIES & TEAM (85): Estabillo 23, Gratil 16, De Luna 10, Trinidad 9, Dela Cuesta 8, Prion 7, Belardo 5, Villas 5, San Diego 2, De Guzman 0, Rubio 0, Grepo 0, Pring 0, Canseco 0
QUARTERSCORES: 19-15, 36-38, 56-63, 83-85
REFEREES: N. Basilio, B. Castillo, V. Rancho
FIBA LiveStats: https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/APC/1344593/