Amiel Acido exploded 14 points in the fourth period to power J20 Sports Apparel to a scrambling, come-from-behind 93-88 victory over Don Jajnok’s Litson House to rule the SK San Jose Basketball Open League at the Robinsons Homes basketball court.
Acido teamed up with Joshua Buenaflor and tournament MVP Marlon Borre as J20 overcame a 12-point, 59-71, deficit in the third quarter. Acido and Borre took care of the scoring chores while Buenaflor focused on guarding high-scoring Jimwell Ocampo of Don Jajnok’s.
Arjay Baybayon hit a jumpshot to push Don Jajnok’s to a 77-79 advantage with almost 4 minutes left to play. Acido then drilled a triple as J20 finally grabbed the lead for good, 80-79, with 3:21 to play.
Acido stole the ball followed by a barreling layup by Borre as J20 extended its lead, 82-79. Ocampo split his charities to cut the gap, 82-80.
Acido then drilled another triple to extend the J20 lead even more, 85-80, with 1:52 left to play. Ocampo missed at the other end. Buenaflor grabbed the rebound, issued a long pass to Acido who completed the fastbreak layup to virtually seal the outcome of the match, 87-80, with just 1:36 left to play.
J20 team owner and head coach Romyl Jornacion was happy to win and expressed his gratitude to his players for doing their best and for Barangay San Jose SK, led by SK Chairman Monte Tolentino, for organizing the tournament.
“Sobrang saya sa pakiramdam specially sa mga players ko dahil nakuha namin ung kampyonato sa liga and hopefully through hard work and dedication sa basketball magawa din namin sa ibang mga liga na sinalihan namin,” said Jornacion.
“Syempre nagpapasalamat ako sa mga players kung hindi naman dahil sa hard work nila hindi namin makukuha ung panalo. Saka sa lahat ng bumubuo ng J20 Sports Apparel and sa SK Barangay San Jose. Napakagandang liga ang binigay sa amin.”
Christopher Rondin, the shortest player on the court, stood tallest for Don Jajnok’s in the third period. He drilled four three-pointers in the period to help his team overhaul a 34-46, 12-point deficit at halftime as Don Jajnok’s led by 12 points, 71-59 entering the fourth quarter.
For J20 Buenaflor led all scorers with 25 points. He was explosive in the first quarter with 13 but had only 12 the rest of the way. Acido had 21 markers while Borre finished with 19.
Borre, the tournament MVP, said he was grateful for the trust he received from J20 Sports Apparel and his teammates.
“Happy of course, kasi naging part ako ng team J20 Sports Apparel. Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa kanila at sa teammates ko na nagtiwala sa akin at sa kakayahan ko,” said Borre.
For Don Jajnok’s Ocampo scored a game-high 28 points. Rondin had 21 points on 6 three-pointers.
Other players of J20 are John Solomon, Paul Lacerna, Aaron Gabunilas, Bryan Lina, Terrence Magbojos, Jonathan Vargas, Igi Bueno, Mark Manchua, JP Bantique, Justine Bucog, Jhelo Campomanes, Mike Orjalo and Bernard Repato. Assistant coaches are Indi Jacobe and Jay Nanlong and Trainer John Lucas.
Other players of Don Jajnok’s are Brent Melendres, Carlo Bernal, Ray Patricio, Allan Dela Cruz, Patrick De Guzman and Jerick Mondares.
Other participating teams are Boss Jacque, Los Kantos, Team Puto, Parugan, Admiral, Sta. Elena, Tomahawk, Legions, Dreadvast and San Lorenzo.