Umm Al Quwain-Bicol Express had to go through double overtime to escape Sharjah-Western Union 114-113 in the inaugural MFBA Inter Emirates Basketball Tournament at Asma Bint Al Nouman Gym in Dubai.
The game started with Sharjah-Western Union taking control in the first quarter after big men Reymond Dula and Rolly Menor imposed their presence inside the shaded lane to give their team a 27-21 advantage.
But Umm Al Quwain-Bicol Express changed their tactics in the second period and the trio of shooting guard Paul Buenafe and forwards Jerry Mendez and Marlon Bernal took turns in pounding the basket for a 29-11 run and a 12-point cushion, 50-38, at the turn.
Umm Al Quwain fiercely defended their double-digit lead in the third frame but Sharjah engaged them in a nip-and-tuck duel in the fourth quarter.
Jojo Roque, who led all players with 33 points including six triples, kicked off Sharjah’s comeback with back-to-back triples while Jayson Araneta also made a big three to put Western Union within striking distance, 80-82, with still five minutes left in final period.
The scores were tied at 92-all with 11 seconds left in regulation period and ball possession was with Umm Al Quwain, but a cross-court pass by Mendez to Buenafe was anticipated by Arnold Aguila who unfortunately missed his drive to the basket and the game was sent into overtime.
Both teams traded baskets down the stretch but Umm Al Quwain-Bicol Express snatched the win courtesy of clutch baskets from Marlon Bernal, who finished with 27 points and was adjudged best player of the match.
Elsewhere, Fujairah Falcons preyed on Ras Al Khaimah Pitbull 71-65.
