EM Arki Team Completes Comeback And Wins A Thriller

January 22, 2020

Manila, Philippines

The EM Arki Team battled the Manila Beast that was debuting at the league yesterday. The game was a nail-biter as the two teams played hard and intelligent, but with excitement. At the end, the familiarity of the EM Arki Team with each other paid off and allowed them to win the game, 87-84.

The Beasts actually started the game hot, sending passes between half courts and completing fast break points. They led the Arkis by as big as 15 points in the first quarter, which ended 24-14 in favor of the Manila Beast.

In the second period, the EM Arki team's offense settled led by two three pointers by Edu Reyes and Dax Del Mundo’s six points. They also chased every attempts of the Manila Beast and switched a notch on their defense as they outscored the Beasts 21-11 and ended the half with a 35-35 slate.

In the third period, both team engaged in high-octane offense as both scored tremendously well and in a fast paced manner. Many assists were dished out while also finishing fast breaks whenever there was an opportunity. Neither team allowed to be outscored by the other as the third period ended 61-59 for the Manila Beast.

In the final canto, it was the same intense game again. The Manila Beast was in control, 81-74. Third De Leon scored a trey at the 2:07 mark and Dax Del Mundo finished a fast break that made the EM Arki Team just trail by two points, 81-79 with 1:49 left in the game. Espinosa split his charities but Third De Leon converted another trey to tie the game 82 all. Tristan Cosino scored the go ahead basket for the EM Arki Team with 36.2 seconds left in the game.

Espinosa bucketed two points but couldn’t finish the and 1 play. The game was tied at 84 all and the EM Arki Team had no time out left and with 9.1 seconds left Brian Louie Mastelero scored a big basket. Manila Beast had a crack to get back at the game but Rieta fumbled the ball. The Manila Beast had one final chance to tie the game, down by three points but with no time out left they were not able to execute properly and the two attempts from the three point land were not successful.

EM Arki Team will play another undefeated team, Black Panther next week while Manila Beast will battle the high flying Responders.

The Scores

EM Arki Team 87 - Del Mundo 20, Lao 15, Cosino 13, De Leon 12, Reyes,E. 11, Bartolome 6, Reyes,H. 5, Mastelero 4, Josue 1, Tolentino 0.

Manila Beast 84 - Espinosa 19, Vicente 17, Number 2 11, Empleo 10, Dacusin,J. 6, Dungo 6, Rieta 6, Obedencio,Ki. 3, Manuel 2, Baldaco 2, Obedencio,Ky. 2.

Quarterscores: 14-24, 35-35, 59-61, 87-84.