Richmond Oilers thwarted Gummy Bears, 87-80, to draw first blood in the APCRAA Basketball Tournament Season 7 Finals at the APC Gymnasium, on Saturday, August 5.
A close game in the first half, the Oilers were able to pull out a scoring run fueled by Lavesh Chandnani and Justine Abequibel, increasing their lead to as much as 20 points in the third quarter.
Chandnani finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds, with 4 out of 9 three point markers made, while Abequibel had 10 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Renzo Macaraeg was their top scorer with 17 points and 9 rebounds.
For the Gummy Bears, Brix Estabillo scored the most points for the team with 22, with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Norman Ringor contributed 16 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists. Lester de Luna and Guess dela Cuesta added 12 and 11 points respectively.
The Oilers will try to finish the championship series in Game 2 on August 12.
Meanwhile, the APCRAA Basketball Tournament Committee has sanctioned Richmond Oilers’ JP Masa due to the skirmish between him and Guess dela Cuesta at the 6:54 mark of the fourth quarter, resulting to disqualifying fouls for both players. Taking consideration of the past disqualifying foul incurred by Masa during the quarterfinals game between the Oilers and Sheesh last July 1, he will be suspended for one game and fined P2,000.
THE SCORES:
GUMMY BEARS (80): Estabillo 22, Ringor 16, De Luna 12, Dela Cuesta 1, Gloria 5, Gratil 2, Salvador 2, Castañares 2, Belardo 0, Pring 0, Reyes 0, Grepo 0
RICHMOND OILERS (87): Macaraeg 17, Chandnani 14, Trinidad 13, Bayog 12, Abequibel 10, Ferrer 10, Conta 5, Sombilon 2, Cerdeña 2, Masa 2
REFEREES: D. Tolic, E. Melendrez, D. Pimentel
FIBA LIVESTATS: https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/APC/2297277/