DOHA: A follow up shot by Joker Camson of Batangas Inihaw Republic after grabbing the ball from the board with 11 seconds left in the overtime sealed their hard-earned victory over Bataan Dukhan Ballers 84-82 to capture the crown in the Ooredoo Ambassador’s Cup 2016 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) on Friday at the Al Gharafa Training Gym.
Camson’s close to a buzzer beating basket spelled the difference for their big win after a missed jumper by team mate Nino Gelig from an assist by Eric Tamayo.
Bataan’s Raf Villegas tried a three-point shot but missed with still 20 seconds left from the assist of Rey Solomon who took the defensive and throw and quick crossover pass to him.
Batangas’ point guard Tamayo paved the way for their victory after he went on perfect from the line in the charity shots from a foul by Viillegas with 1:10 left. Both teams traded baskets and refused to give in the hotly-contested shooting war all throughout the game that lead changes between each team could only reach as close as three to five points.
Tamayo was the big factor during regulation time after he equalised the game, 72-all, from an assist by Gelig with 42 seconds left. Gelig tried a last ditch jumper from the rainbow territory with two seconds left but the ball rimmed out.
As a complement, Bataan’s Rodel Mallari was named the Most Valuable Player for the PIBAQ Season 20 tournament as he received a cash award and MVP gold ring courtesy of Diana Jewellery and Watches. Camson was picked as Finals MVP with Coach Renato DInglasan as Best Coach. Both received cash awards.
Adding feather to the cap was Batangas’ Ralph Medalla who was named Most Improved and Best Defensive Player and received a cash award.
PIBAQ selected the Mythical Five with cash awards, including Tamayo and Ronnie Cajayon as guards, Mardie Mallari and Francis Mercado as forwards and Mallari as centre.
The PIBAQ is presented by Alicafe. The tournament is brought by Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) and the Philippine Embassy, and co-sponsored by Diana Jewellery and Watches, Power Horse Energy Drink, Control-P Seventh Spectrum and Shuttersbug Photography. A round trip ticket to Manila-Doha will be given away by Philippine Airlines to a fan during the championship game of which a raffle draw will be held on August 12.The Peninsula
