PIBAQ: Mindoro Spartan, LBC Kentz reach semis

DOHA: Both LBC Kentz and Mindoro Spartan reached the semi-final rounds after they trounced their respective opponents in the crucial games in the Travelex Cup 2013 of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) at Al Gharafa Sports Hall.
The LBC Kentz squad had to pass through the proverbial “eye of the needle” before overcoming the big fight offered by Ertibat-CEG International to win the game 72-69, while it was just a walk in the park for Spartan which dominated a 12-point edge, 77-65, over Power Horse Energy Drink.
LBC Kentz will face league leaders TCC Stars-Gerry Grills while Spartan will square off with an equally strong PCSI Specialist-Dukhan Ballers in the do-or-die matches on Friday with the winning teams advancing to the coveted championship rounds.
A time-out was suddenly called by LBC Kentz coach Verne Calledo in the last 31 seconds when rookie Tristan Japson of CEG converted a three point rainbow to catch up just within a three-point margin, 69-66.
Former Philippine Basketball Association swingman Arnold Calo converted one of two from the charity line from a foul by big man Jayson Tiongson and another two-point charity shot conversion by team-mate Charlie Herradura to seal a six-point lead, 72-66, with three seconds left.
CEG’s power forward Rey Solomon made a last ditch attempt and luckily took a three-point basket to inch closer to within just a three point margin but it was all CEG could do before the final 
buzzer.
LBC Kentz made 29 points off CEG’s turn-over, and another 17 second chance points plus 20 fast break points, according to a game analysis of FIBA live statistics recording powered by sporting pulse.
LBC Kentz also dominated the biggest scoring run in 39 minutes that prevented CEG to narrow down the advantage.
“We made the right playing time rotation, that the boys were always fresh as they entered the hard court and I have always told them to bring an all-out 100 percent performance,” coach Calledo said after the game.
It was an easy ride for Spartan to foil the chances of Power Horse to step up to the next level. 
Reliable veterans Poldong Rodriguez scored 21 points complemented by Pocholo Santos and Michael Paderes contributing 19 points 
each.  THE PENINSULA