Team Bumblebees is set to return to the APCRAA Basketball Tournament Season Six men’s division championship round after winning Game 2 of their semifinals series against Richmond Oilers, 94-91, on Saturday, September 10, at the APC Gymnasium.
This is the Bumblebees’ third trip to the Finals in their team’s history and will have the chance to defend their Season Five championship against Team Knights starting on September 17.
The Oilers suffered damage at the opening minutes of the first quarter after JP Masa got ejected out of the playing court for incurring two consecutive technical fouls. Still, the Oilers managed to catch up and was able to get the lead by halftime, 43 to 37.
The Oilers managed to erect a 10-point lead, 70 to 60, but the tandem of Arie Altre and Norman Ringor sparked a 7-0 run before the end of the third quarter. In the final period, Bumblebees inched closer as they managed to take the lead at the 5:37 mark, 78-77.
The Oilers tried to fight back and tied the game again at 88-all with one minute remaining in the game. JP Bayog made a three point basket in the insuing play then Brix Estabillo sank both free throws from a shooting foul by Nico Conta, decreasing the Oilers’ lead by 1, 91 to 90.
Joemark Belardo scored a fastbreak layup after a missed three point attempt from JP Bayog, giving the Bumblebees the lead 92-91 with only 11 seconds remaining. Arie Altre stole the ball from JP Bayog at the insuing play, securing the win for the Bumblebees.
Lester de Luna had a double-double performance for the Bumblebees with 22 points, 14 rebounds with 4 assists. Brix Estabillo finished with 21 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals. Arie Altre contributed 17 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
JP Bayog scored a career high 37 points with 4 rebounds and 9 assists. Latrell Sombilon also stepped up for the Oilers with a career high 14 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Nico Conta contributed 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
THE SCORES:
BUMBLEBEES (94): De Luna 22, Estabillo 21, Altre 17, Ringor 13, Salvador 8, Belardo 6, Galido 3, Grepo 2, De Guzman 2, Mustapha 0, Reyes 0, Calima 0
RICHMOND OILERS (91): Bayog 37, Chandnani 16, Sombilon 14, Conta 14, Ferrer 6, Cerdeña 4, Masa 0, Galang 0
QUARTERSCORES: 26-14, 37-43, 67-70, 94-91
REFEREES: J. Buce, J. Cruz, V. Cordova
FIBA LIVESTATS: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/APC/2116346