Arias’ buzzer-beating triple lifts Water Market

FORMER SWU Cobra Michael Arias nailed a buzzer-beating triple to lift Water Market to a, 97-94 win over former league-leader Utility Assurance Corporation (UTASSCO) Tuesday night at the start of the 2nd elimination round of the Power Forty-2012, President’s Cup basketball tournament.

Utassco led in the first three periods including a commanding 12-point advantage, 50-38 at the half. But Water Market unloaded a, 32-18 run in the third to close-in at 68-70 heading to the final quarter.

The fourth period featured several deadlocks and lead changes until Utassco’s Teody Ebrado tied the count for the last time at 94-all with a triple inside 24 seconds.

However, in the return play, Michael Arias responded with his own trey with 1.2 seconds left for the three-point win by Water Market.

Vez Eleguin and Caloy Lim led Water Market with 18 points apiece while Arias and Jun Libre combined for 32 points. Teody Ebrado and Flor Yosores paced Utassco with 25 and 18 markers, respectively.

Earlier, Park n’ Go trounced Ang Tibay Mo, 113-105, with diminutive 3-point artist Wewe Cabrera scoring 30 points. Five other Breadmasters posted double figures including Erik Abatayo (17), Al Misa (15), Jingjing Rama (13), Danny Lisondra (11) and Adot Tabar (10).

BOX SCORES

PARK N’ GO (113)- Cabrera 30, Abatayo 17, Misa 15, J. Rama 13, Lisondra 11, Tabar 10, G. Rama 6, Espinosa 4, Ramil 3, R. Rama 2, Alob 2.

TIBAY (105)- Sumargo 39, Dejacto 28, Gaviola 13, Mabalcon 8, Abasolo 8, Samson 4, Ed. Gabuya 2, Chiong 2, Dejarme 1.

2nd game

W. MARKET (97)- Eleguin 18, Lim 18, Arias 17, Libre 15, Ungria 13, Ozon 10, Dimitiman 2, Labajo 2, Balbarena 2.

UTASSCO (94)- Ebrado 25, F. Yosores 18, Veloso 14, Nacional 11, Echavez 10, Yu 8, Vernaiz 4, S. Yosores 2, Nuñez 2. /Correspondent Dale Rosal