Maya Silk to meet GHK Motors in final
By James Kon

Ricafuente going for three points. - Photo: James Kon

Maya Silk will face GHK Motors in the final of the Coca-Cola Challenge Trophy after both teams managed to upset all odds to beat their more stronger opponents in the semifinals at the National Indoor Stadium on Thursday evening.

Maya Silk upset favourites Coca-Cola Panthers with a convincing 95-83 win thanks to inspirational point guard, No. 8 Ricky Ricafuente who was on fire throughout the whole tournament.

Ricafuente was invincible on the court, driving to the basket, sinking three pointers and assisting on the play. He managed to grab 41 points to help his team overcome the mighty Panthers.

However, it was a tight match-up in the early minutes. Coca-Cola Panthers' No. 9 Melvin Mamaclay and No. 13 Marvin Optiguerpa helped to keep the score within a range of four points. At the end of the first quarter, Maya Silk only led by two points at 26-24.

Maya Silk stepped up a gear and took charge of the second quarter and led by eight points. By the end of the third quarter, Maya Silk were comfortably in front at 71-61.

The Panthers tried to stage a fightback in the fourth quarter but Maya Silk held on for a memorable win and booked a ticket for the final.

In the other semifinal game, GHK Motors staged an impressive comeback in the third quarter to take the game from Kim Engineering winning 84-81.

Leading by 12 points by the end of the second quarter, Kim Engineering suddenly lost concentration and allowed GHK Motors to crawl back.

Bennet Palad played a captain's role for GHK Motors by holding off Kim Engineering offensive to limit their lead to only five points at 61-56.

The comeback trail continued in the fourth quarter when GHK Motors led for the first time in the game with just seconds away from the final whistle thanks to No. 15 Ric Armon and Chris Nicado who contributed 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin