Basketball player Eric Tamayo plays against an opponent during the PIBAQ tournament in Doha recently

Qatar Tribune Daily English Newspaper

AILYN AGONIA

Pics by Ronnie Castro

DOHA: MABUHAY Restaurant handed QDVC LRT its first defeat in the latest season of Pinoy Basketball in Qatar (PIBAQ) during a recent match that went into overtime and ended with the final score of 102-90. 

Eric Tamayo, contributing 43 points, led the campaign of his team to bag their third consecutive win and hold on to the top spot they currently share with teams QAFAC and Qat-Art Design (One Family) in the President Alvita Cup 2014. 

It was a close match between Mabuhay and QDVC all through the four periods. With 31 seconds left in the final quarter, QDVC tried to hold on to its 3-point lead (82-79). However, a steal by Joseph Tismo and 2-point made by Bonlex Magcawas, with just 13 seconds left, gave Mabuhay a much needed boost in the game. 

The 2-shots free-throw opportunity earned by QDVC's Jervin Lorca could have ended the game in their favour. He missed one of the free shots and ended with the teams deadlocked at 83. 

During the 5-minute extension of the game, Tamayo's back-to-back three point shots completely slowed down the momentum of their opponent. Mabuhay finished with 12-point advantage over QDVC LRT. 

Meanwhile, another strong contender of the season One Family had a narrow escape playing Palmeras Restaurant-TFCMI. Isip, Gandarosa and Raagas with their double-digit contributions made it possible for One Family to pull off the win with just a single-point lead over TFCMI. The final score was 81-80. 

In the Second Division, Dukhan Ballers defeated Bluu Gulf with the score 81-80 while Batang Sanna finished the game with MCM with a 27-point advantage. While L'Arc En Ciel won over Power Horse Energy Drink, 72-61. 

In 40-Above Division, Firelink\CEG International lost the opportunity against Sfortysvoyz in a half shot, 79-80; ETC Solutions battled it out against QP Dukhan, 54-53; Khalifa Vintage won over Kwarentadoz Warriors with a 22-point lead, 87-66.

The Pibaq 15th Season is presented and sponsored by Diana Jewellery and Watches and Boracay Filipino Restaurants.