Our Lady of Fatima University Phoenix Juniors rallied over STI Olympians for a 2-0 win-loss record in the NCR Elimination game of National Juniors Championship held at Emilio Aguinaldo University Gym last November 24, 2009.
The STI kicked off the half of the 1st quarter with a 5-0 run but the Phoenix answered back with 3-0 run to make a 16-13 lead.
Phoenix took control of the ball game at the start of the second quarter as Dan Ervin Alberto and Larry Rivera teamed up to post a 9-point lead with a minute and six seconds left. Joseph Ablaza of STI Olympians scored a basket to put the count at 34-27 at the end of the quarter.
In the mid of the 3rd quarter, STI had a chance to tie the match but Phoenix's Joseph Marquez deflected Ablaza's 3-point attempt which resulted to an air ball. The Phoenix kept the taller STI five lagging as they used their running game to outmaneuver them.
As both teams returned aggressively in the final quarter, the Phoenix started their rally to threaten STI with their biggest lead in the game with Jay-R Teodoro's split free throw, 58-47. Alberto led the final half of the quarter with 2 consecutive baskets to build another 9-point lead for the Phoenix. STI came within striking distance with under 2 minutes remaining time in the game. The game ended with a 68-63 victory.
Schever Benavides paced the Phoenix offense with 15 markers while Alberto added 14. Joseph Ablaza of STI top scored the game with 25 in a losing effort.
Quarter scores: 11-6, 34-27, 48-43, 68-63
Fatima - 68 Benavides - 15, Alberto - 14, Perea - 11, Diego - 7, Marquez - 6, Rivera - 5, Teodoro - 6, Khan - 2, Lugtu - 2
STI - 63 Ablaza - 25, Cruz - 11, Bocablo - 7, Sanchez - 7, Dulalig - 5, Saldana - 3, Quinal - 3, Ortega - 2
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