THE Jingjing Rama-led Team Rama tripped Helmet (HWT) of businessman Allan Lim, 100-98, Friday night for its 6th win in seven games (6-1) and strengthened its hold of the lead while the latter dropped to 3-3 win-loss at the close of the elimination round of the AMBL Basketball Cup, 40-Above basketball tournament at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Gym in Punta Princesa.
Team Rama enjoyed a precarious lead after the first two quarters but Helmet dribblers rallied in the 3rd period with a 31-22 run to grab a, 78-76 advantage entering the final quarter.
The payoff canto featured several deadlocks and lead changes with the last tie pegged at 98-all with 1:04 remaining when former UV Lancer pointguard Toper Abellana was sent to the stripe after being fouled. Abellana displayed nerves of steel by sinking both charity shots for the final tally.
Former PBA standout Danny Aying powered Team Rama with 19 points while four other teammates joined the scoring spree with Medy Dejos, Lito Fuentes and Toper Abellana scoring 14 each and former PBA center Bonel Balingit adding 12.
Melfred Sampelo and Robert Abasolo paced Helmet with 22 and 21 points, respectively.
BOX SCORES
TEAM RAMA (100)- Aying 19, Abellana 14, L. Fuentes 14, Dejos 14, Balingit 12, A. Fuentes 8, J. Rama 5, Pahamutang 5, Vidal 5, Lo. Navarro 3, Balaba 2.
HELMET (98)- Sampelo 22, Abasolo 21, Li. Navarro 18, Abarquez 10, Cabañero 10, Panique 5, Lim 4, Arias 4, Bacalso 2, Sullano 2. /Correspondent Dale Rosal