Old School, composed mostly of 40-year old players and above, proved they still have the legs to run the floor after overtaking Satwa-Cabalen 47-41 to reach the final of Jazzville Cup Basketball League at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
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Veteran shooter Gary Hernandez turned in a vintage performance after hitting five triples in the second quarter to give Old School a commanding 10-point lead, 28-18, at the half. Hernandez also led all players with 15 points while team mate Ian Samoy exploded in the second-half and finished with 11 markers.
Guards Arman Manio and Tomy Lagunsad took control of Old School’s back court and added eight and seven points respectively while no player from Satwa-Cabalen scored more than six points.
“We just proved that we can turn back the time and still play competitive basketball,” Old School coach Arnel Fernandez told Sport360. “Hernandez showed leadership and inspired the team offensively while we utilised a three-guard formation to apply pressure defence on our opponents.”
Satwa-Cabalen played catch-up from start to finish but they were able to remain close, trailing by just three points, 44-41, with only 21 seconds left in the game.
Boyee Salazar had a chance to further cut down the deficit but he missed his two charities while Samoy sealed Old School's ticket to the Final by making his two free throws.
Satwa-Cabalen player-coach Joewin Gumila said: “We tip our hats off to Old School. Fatigue caught up with us after playing three consecutive games (group stage, quarterfinal and semi-final) in a single day.”
Old School will face SDL Team, who beat earlier Emaar 34-29, in the Final on Friday. The champion team will receive 4,000 dirhams courtesy of Filinvest and Ican Apparel while the MVP will get a two-way ticket to the Philippines from Michael Valero of Sky World Holidays.
Elsewhere, Rodel Campos was hailed Three-point King after besting 38 participants in the 3-point shootout. He sunk seven out 15 balls under 30 seconds in the final round.
Scorers:
Old School 47 – Gary Hernandez 15; Ian Samoy 11; Arman Manio 8; Tommy Lagunsad 7; Jericho Aguiluz 4; Andy del Rosario 2
Satwa-Cabalen 41 – Lloyd Paule 6; Alfie Salenga 6; Pep Novela 6; Jester Palermo 5; Arvin Araña 4; Kervin Ronquillo 4; Boyee Salazar 4; Joseph Ramos 2; Arjay Bustos 2; Joewin Gumila 2
