Coca-Cola in OT victory
By James Kon

A Kianggeh Playboys cager laying up a basket. - Photo: James Kon

It was one of the most heart-stopping games of the Sultan Cup basketball competition thus far where over a hundred-strong crowd saw the Coca-Cola Panthers defeating Kianggeh Playboys 103-95 in a dramatic overtime showdown at the Chung Hwa Middle School on Monday night.

Coca-Cola with an all-Filipino line-up came charging out in the first quarter and took a 20-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Coca-Cola's lack of concentration and wrong defensive strategy in the second quarter gave Kianggeh a lifeline and stormed back to take the lead by seven points at the end of the second quarter thanks largely to their No 5 R Ibarra who contributed 10 points.

After an inspirational pep talk from coach Arnel Caringel, Coca-Cola were a transformed side in the third quarter and regained the lead 67-63.

In the fourth quarter, both teams were equally matched and by the end of regular time, Coca-Cola and Kianggeh were tied 91-91.

Coca-Cola were more composed in the 5-minute overtime period to win 103-95 with their No. 12 Jerry Guarda and No.5 N. Grapil outstanding.

After the match, Caringel acknowledged that his team started the game with a wrong defensive strategy but after the second quarter, he had adjusted the formation to zone defence and the move paid off.

Meanwhile in another match, Fitness Zone cruised to their second win whipping Kim Engrg S/B 104-76.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin