Staglets fall short against Greenies

Coach Franco instructs the Staglets

Although RK Ilagan made a record-setting 38 points, Staglets still fell short as LSGH Greenies stunned them by just 1 point lead, 78-79, in their first round match up last July 11 at the San Juan Arena.

Taking advantage of the scrappy defense of Staglets in the first half, Greenies dominated in offense and in rebound. It was yet again a slow start for Staglets as the first quarter ended with Greenies leading by 8, 14-22.

Staglets had a huge run early in the second quarter that helped them cut the lead to two, 24-26. Ilagan fired five 3-pointers in the first half but Staglets let the Greenies pull away and ended the first half 6 points behind, 35-41.

In the third quarter, Staglets regained composure and outscored the greenies, 28-18. They ended the quarter leading by 4, 63-59.

Greenies immediately made an 8-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter. Jasper Magno quenched the scoring drought of the Staglets through his 2 charity points. At the third minute mark, Greenies were leading by 9 points but Ilagan and Navarro combined for 8 points to keep them a point behind with 1:08 left.

John Winifred Gob of the Greenies scored a crucial basket to make it a 3-point lead; Navarro, though, shot a 3-pointer to tie the game in the last 42 seconds. Under penalty, Greenies made a separation of 1 point through the split free throw of Rafael Salonga. Navarro attempted to take the winning shot but missed.

John Mark S. Andal