“Arman Catibog of NAHKOWH team sky walks his way to the basket despite a tight post defense”.

By: Chris Panganiban

Pictures by: Ronnie Castro

  

 

 

DOHA:Two crucial conversions in the rainbow territory by known PIBAQ star players in the dying seconds in two separate all important games but one took a heartbreaking loss while the other survived the heart-pounding challenge.

Action at the Power Horse Energy Drink Cup 2013 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ), presented by McDonald's Restaurants in Qatar & powered by Travelex Currency Exchange at the Al Gharafa Training Gym on Friday has started to rev up once again in the hotly contested battle among 16 teams to stay alive in the elimination rounds.

Ali Café’s Jonathan Dumangcas connected a long tom in the rainbow territory to gain a one-point lead, 61-60, after KBAS Contracting was leading by two-points with 18 seconds left in the game.

But Ali Café’s smell of victory crushed when KBAS returned the favour with a two-point perimeter shot from a quick pass, 62-61, with six seconds left . Two last ditch attempts by Pedios Claverio from a pass by Dumangcas and another keyhole try by Ruben Mendoza from a rebound never sank in the basket to lead KBAS to their hard-earned win.

Nahkowh keep its composure of not allowing QP Dukhan to answer the baskets after Eric Tamayo hit a difficult jumper from the three-point line with still 21 seconds left, 72-71, to came out victorious that saw both teams trading baskets all throughout the exciting game, ended of 74-71.

Nahkowh turned out to be a tough team to beat for QP Dukhan since they paraded reliable stars in the likes of Tamayo, a two-time MVP, Arman Catibog, RJ Gonzales, Ronald Go, Renato Dinglasan and Philip Dela Rosa, the original Batangas connection boys from the defunct Gilas 3 team.

Meanwhile, PIBAQ deputy commissioner and league manager Bombet Tolentino Vitor announced his resignation from his work following a personal decision to return to the Philippines for good along with his wife. Vitor was co-founder and was instrumental to lead PIBAQ into a truly professional league, gaining much respect and pride to the large Filipino community in Qatar.

“I will leave my heart to PIBAQ and continue to support its efforts even if I would be already back home,” said a teary-eyed Vitor in a press conference during the half-time break.

Together with PIBAQ Organizing Committee, Vitor took his farewell official act to award the plaque to QAFAC Team for ‘Best in Uniform” which was received by team manager Ms Nancita Afable Salazar.

Other game results: Dukhan Ballers continue its winning streak by defeating QAFAC, 75-59; while GWC won over Al Gassar, 58-55, Mercury Engineering over IMCO Engineering, 62-51; Unibeton over Diplomatic Club, 88-72; CEG International over Batang Sanna, 73-70; and CheChie over One Family-Office System, 62-83.

Seasons' 13th is also sponsored by Vista Land Marketing International & Boracay Filipno Resataurant.