DUBAI: As the summer gets really hot in the UAE, logging a daily average of 45 Celsius, so is the game of basketball loved by Pinoys.
Jazzville Inter-emirates opened season 5 over the weekend with smashing, heart-stopping action. Six teams paraded during the opening ceremony, including Bicol Express, CMB, Destroyer, JND, Kabayan Ikthiyar, and UGS.
Four teams battled on that opening day, eager to etch their mark on what has been one of the most-awaited showdown in the hardcourt. First game was JND vs. CMB and the second was Bicol Express vs. 74ers.
The JND vs. CMB match started off with a three-point shot lead by CMB by player Sonny Toring with a nice pass by colleague point guard Crisper Elopre. Adding to CMB’s first line-up of player for defense was center man Kader, who stands tall blocking the opponent’s attempt to score. This made all the more difficult for JND to penetrate in the first quarter ending the frame with 22-18 in favor of CMB.
In the second quarter, the CMB boys lost their momentum as JND took all fast breaks and ‘foul in the last 5-minutes’ strategy to their advantage. Well played ending the game with JND leading 39/33.
Come 3rd and 4th quarter, the intensity of the game just grew much more riveting. CMB got back on their toes shooting treys with strong defense and making it harder for JND to score. CMB was just unstoppable with their well-played assists and three-points, ending the game at 79-75 to their advantage.
Meantime, Bicol Express went home victorious over the 74ers at 86-80. In the first quarter, Bicol Express already showed a good defense coupled it with left-and-right three-point shots by Archie Cruz. But the dogged 74ers team didn’t lose any inch of hope; quick shots and teamwork got them to finish 2nd and 3rd quarter with a staggering 64/53. However, team Bicol is just in the mood to let 3-points rain in the court that day. They ended the game really well and just left 74ers behind by six points. (Photos by Aarone Benj G. Mariňas)
