McFearin launch stunning comeback to win Synergy Basketball League

Jose Maria Santos 23:37 21/07/2014
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  • They are the champions: McFearin Tailoring players and their families celebrate their victory.

    McFearin Tailoring registered a 91-87 come-from-behind overtime win over Crowne Plaza Dubai to lift the Synergy Sports Corporate Basketball League (Division 1) Cup at Al Twar 2 Sports Hall.

    McFearin, who were expected to dominate the match after sweeping the elimination and knock-out rounds, trailed Crowne Plaza throughout the championship game but were saved by the trio of Khalifa Salem, Paul Buenafe, and Archie Cruz at crunch time.

    After Jhayson Alminario gave Crowne Plaza an eight-point lead, 79-71, in the dying seconds of the regulation period, Cruz converted two free throws; then Buenafe followed up with a triple; and Salem hit a clutch basket to put McFearin within one, 79-78, with only 30 seconds left.

    In the next ball possession, Crowne Plaza’s Robert Lajora was rattled by McFearin’s defence and was called for an offensive foul.

    Ball went back to McFearin and Salem made a strong drive to the basket but missed his lay-up. Lionel Razon, however, grabbed the rebound and made a successful put back to give McFearin an 80-79 lead.

    Crowne Plaza then gave the ball to Alminario who was fouled and sent to the penalty line. He split his free throws to level the scores at 80-all with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

    Both teams had one attempt each to win the game in regulation period but Salem missed his lay-up and on the other side of the court, MJ Paderon missed a long trey at the buzzer which sent the game into overtime.

    McFearin showed their championship experience in the extra period as Salem, who was declared Final MVP, scored eight of his 33 points in overtime to give his team their fourth championship trophy this year.

    “We were complacent in the first three quarters but we displayed our focus and team work in the final quarter and overtime,” McFearin coach Alex Ortiz told Sport3600. “Buenafe exploded with his outside shooting and Salem made crucial baskets. Our second unit came off the bench and gave quality play specially on the defensive end when we were doing a run.”

    For his part, Crowne Plaza playing coach Patrick Tiongco said: “It was a heartbreaking loss; we dominated the match and the championship trophy slipped through our hands. But I am still very proud of my team because we gave a good fight.”

    Crowne Plaza General Manager George Farhat added: “I’m very proud of my players for giving their best. They were the underdogs but they came prepared and they showed more grit and aggressiveness.”

    Hotel manager Paul Schenk and other Crowne Plaza officials were also present to support their team.

    Individual awards

    Season MVP
    MJ Paderon

    Finals MVP
    Khalifa Salem

    Mythical 5
    Robert Lajora, Jhayson Alminario, Paul Buenafe, Rommel Caberte, Salem

    Scorers:

    McFearin Tailoring 91 – Khalifa Salem 33; Paul Buenafe 28; Archie Cruz 17; Rommel Caberte 4; Mike Pizarro 3; Melvin Faustino 2; Harvey Depra 2; Lionel Razon 2

     Crowne Plaza Dubai 87 – MJ Paderon 26; Jhayson Alminario 20; Marlon Yambao 13; Robert Lajora 12; Patrick Tiongco 7; Harold Dabu 7; Gerald Padron 2

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