SYDNEY Amigos forced UAAP powerhouse Ateneo Blue Eagles into overtime before stubbornly going down, 77-73, at the inaugural Philippines-Australia Goodwill Basketball Invitational in Metro Manila, signalling PinOz basketball had come of age.
The Invitational was held on April 7-12, 2015.
Although the Sydneysiders won only one game, against another PinOz side, Perth Sharks, 57-55, they played their finest against the Blue Eagles in the fifth and last game.
The Amigos struggled valiantly in early games, losing to Arellano Chiefs, 73-60; Natiional University Bulldogs, 67-60; and San Sebastian College Stags, 68-48.
But they gathered momentum, found their stride, and put together a dazzling performance in their final hour, almost toppling the Blue Eagles from their perch at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The games were held at alternating venues: Ultra Sport Stadium in Pasig and the Filoil Flying V Arena. Each team played a single round-robin with the highest placed winner, The Bulldogs, declared champion.
The Sydney Amigos team, under the banner of Western Sydney Basketball Association led by team manager Cromwell Alvarez, comprised coach Rey Racuyal, captain Kharl Carlos, vice captain Nico Ebelaine, James Mantua, Patrick O’Brien, Nahamme Tala, Vergel Alcantara, Patrick Ramos, Sean Conrad-Venal, Ted Riopirio, Simeon Murray, Tim Kirkwood, Joboy Flores, and Krenz Carlos.
A news report in the Philippines described the final minutes of the Amigos v Blue Eagles game: ‘After (Blue Eagle) Pessumal hit a three-pointer with two minutes left in the fourth for a 67-62 lead, the Amigos fought back behind Krenz Carlos who hit two free throws with 10 seconds left in regulation to forge overtime.
‘Pessumal scored four points in overtime including two crucial free throws with 12.7 seconds left for a 77-73 lead that held until the end.
Carlos scored 23 points to lead the pace for Sydney Amigos, who finished the tournament with a 1-4 win-loss card.
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PICTURE:
Sydney Amigos’ Patrick O’Brien flies into the defence of eventual champions National University Bulldogs.
