MORTAFLEX drew closer to the title in the United Architects Basketball Club First Conference after it beat Fractalis, 89-84, in Game One of the best-of-three finals last Sunday at the Cebu Eastern College gym.
The game was a fiercely fought one with Mortaflex threatening to break it wide open, leading by 12, 45-33, at halftime behind the shotmaking of ace wingman Ferdinand Tiro.
However, Fractalis made a run in the third and sliced the deficit to two, 58-60.
The two teams battled ferociously in the game’s final chapter but Mortaflex prevailed as Tiro and Jodl Dabon made crucial baskets in the waning seconds that sealed the victory.
Tiro had a brilliant all-around showing with 25 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Jay Radomes, Paul Sasan and Dabon supported him with 13, 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Fractalis was led by the 19 of Oliver Tan, the 18 of Richard Badayos and the 15 of Rhyan Pepito.
BOX SCORES:
MORTAFLEX (89) – Tiro 25, Radomes 13, Sasan 12, Dabon 10, Adlawan 6, Parba 6, Panugaling 5, Talasan 5, Tampus 3, Abellana 2, Tagacanao 2.
FRACTALIS (84) – Tan O. 19, Badayos 18, Pepito 15, Vidal 10, Sesbreno 9, Panerio 6, Cabigas 4, Rejuso 2, Tan D. 1. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio