Dubai: Former champions Al Wasl Travel dug in deep to get past runaway leaders Falcon Crest Travels/Praxis in the 10th PBA Dubai Grand Fiesta Basketball Conference last week.
Guided by coach Ric Roces, Al Wasl never seemed to be in a hurry as they trailed Praxis by seven points (15-22) at the end of the opening quarter. By the end of the halftime whistle, Al Wasl were still behind by the same number of points at 38-31.
It was only in the third quarter that the former champions suddenly came alive.
"I told the boys that this was a make or break match. I also told them not to make the same mistakes, which in fact cost us the game when we played them in the first round," Roces said.
The Al Wasl crew heeded the coach's advice led by MBA import from Manila, Billy Ray Anabu, who was outstanding in the defence. So authoritative was Anabu's performance that he had 12 rebounds, and four steals and assists.
The experienced Raymond Resquites also lent a helping hand, while Allan Yu continued orchestrating the on-court movements to keep the scoreboard ticking. With everything now working to their advantage, Al Wasl Travel managed to take a slender five-point cushion at 51-46 at the end of the third quarter.
Al Wasl romped home 65-58.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: (10am) Dubal vs Pepsi Cola; (11.20am) Single for Christ vs Multiline; (12.40pm) Jebel Ali International Hotel vs Metropolitan Hotel; (2pm) Emirates Design vs Red Scissors; (3.20pm) Fairmont Hotel vs Ibis-Novotel; (4.20pm) Airwing Jetz vs Sanden Intercool; (6pm) Al Wasl Travel vs UAE Exchange.
