CSL cagers force do-or-die match in finals series

THE Cokaliong Shipping Lines fought and scraped its way to a deciding Game 3 after nipping the Cebu Uptown Jaycees/RC Goldline, 87-85 Monday night in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series in the Seniors Executive Cup 2011 at the City Sports Club basketball court.
Julius Gastador made the go-ahead basket with 8.9 seconds left with a mid-range jumper that preserved CSL’s chances for the title. CSL also kept RC Goldline’s vaunted run-and-gun attack in check during the game’s crucial moments.
CSL was actually behind for most of the second half but came alive in the fourth period behind big man Ricky Yu and Opel Cabaltera, whose baskets tied the match at 81-all. RC Goldline moved ahead, 82-81 on a free-throw by Dave Lim but CSL surged ahead, 85-82, after makes by Gastador and Rey Abarquez with 32 seconds remaining.
However, Lito Navarro sank a three-pointer that tied the match at 85-all with 20 seconds left, setting the stage for the heroics of Gastador. The fourth quarter was so close that it had six ties and three lead changes.
Gastador led CSL with 25 points while Cabaltera and Chester Cokaliong had 15 points each. Montoy Singson led RC Goldline with 22 points.
Game 3 will be played this Friday at the same venue.
In the sudden death game for third place, Cebu Executives and Professionals Basketball Association (CEPBA) beat B-Meg/SCBHABA, 111-106 in overtime.
BOX SCORES
Cokaliong (87) – Gastador 25, Cokaliong 15, Cabaltera 15, , R. Yu 13, Chan 5, Abarquez 6, Lawas 4, Mendez 3, Lanutan 1.
MCUJ/RC Goldline (85) – Singson 22, Garcia 16, Navarro 16, Toring 9, Abasolo 8, Lim 7, Go 4, Sta. Maria 2, Laguna 1. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio