DOHA: The heroics of Chrysler Icaro was all that mattered for front runner KBAS-Banco de Oro in their 95-90 win over defending champion Rumaillah Group in the Game One of the semi-final round of 6^th McDonald’s Qatar Basketball Cup 2010 at the Al Gharafa Multi-Purpose Training Gym.

Icaro converted a three-point jump shot at the rainbow territory with 51 seconds left in regulation time to clinch the win for his team.

The three-point shot was the real factor of KBAS’ hardly fought victory even as it only equalized the game in regulation since this boosted their morale to play harder and hungrier in the extended five minute play.

Icaro contributed 26 big points mostly done during crucial plays when his team needed it the most that PIBAQ officiating committee declared him as best player of the game.

KBAS coach Rommel Magnayon was slapped with technical and was thrown out of the bench with 7:19 left in the third quarter after he continuously challenged what he claimed as bad calls against the three referees.

The game was interrupted for several minutes while the officiating committee and referees confer in deciding the penalty. His absence, however, was a blessing in disguise since his players led by Icaro and Bong Caballero turned deadlier in their game execution and gradually shifted the momentum on their side.

In the other match, SBQ-Best Restaurant reined supreme over One Family in the dying minutes of the game to win, 90-84. The point guards’ connection of Eric Tamayo and Jason Malcontento spoiled the momentum of their opponents driving their team to pull away and started to widen the lead.

THE PENINSULA