Blades win another game, lose another player
League III.13 Elimination Round
East Town @ Bacoor Blades
00:10
It was another resounding victory, notching their highest point total for the season so far to the tune of 133 points as they win over their bitter rivals, East Town, 133-116 atoning for their first round loss as they hosted their adversaries at The Bacoor Forum.
The win put them above .500 for the first time this season, it gave them a legitimate shot at making the playoffs as well as overtaking the team they conquered prior, baracuda team, following their loss on the same day. They were able to reap incredible performances from four key players. The win also defined the effort by the Blades to take on the challenge despite losing starting point guard Regan Elizaga for the season.
But amidst all the other factors that could legitimize a claim of happiness by the team with the victory, still a looming concern is over the Cavite camp as they lose yet another key player to an injury.
Just mere moments after entering the court with less than four minutes to play in the first quarter, Blades reserve swingman Marcos Paulo Petry got hit hard in an attempt to score at the rim as he was fouled by defender Josué Ibarrola at the 2:35 mark of the same period. Petry could not shoot the free throws given to him and have to leave the game as he passed the torch to Kelly Paul, who knocked both charities.
The Blades went on to win the quarter 37-32 through a scintillating display by Paul. At the second canto, a more balanced attack borne out of Kelly Paul's earlier success in the first quarter coupled by the impressive court vision of Gavienne Savillo widened the gap at the half, 78-66.
The blitz intensified in the third, Paul and Boris Buzhan would continue connecting from the perimeter, giving its frontcourt men an opportunity at the basket. They already scored triple-figures midway through the quarter. They went up by 26, 113-87 as the final 12 minutes was about to begin.
Any East Town comeback attempt were easily thwarted as although East Town won the quarter, the lead was just too big to handle as the final margin was being determined.
As mentioned, four key players for the Blades notched double-doubles. Paul led the way for Bacoor with 41 points and 11 rebounds while Boris Buzhan had 33 points and 15 assists. Rookie Gavienne Savillo more than made up for Regan's absence with 18 points and 14 assists while center Antoine Fauvel had 13 and 10 boards for the home team.
"Talk about getting bit by the injury bug." said team manager TheDogMan. "This is not a good situation to be in this late in the season. We're trying to make a playoff run and we can't make good progress without a full, healthy roster." he admitted.
"This is another test for the team. To try and buck the odds and win." said the 6'9" Paul. "This was a good win but unfortunately, the dynamics of the team's rotation is altered again because of this instance."
Petry is expected to return to action next week as the Blades try to play the next two games without him. Regan Elizaga is out with an injury which is expected to heal in at least five weeks.
The Bacoor Blades face #4 seed NuRSing_AvENgeRS on August 17 to continue their suddenly-steep climb to a playoff berth.
Last edited by TheDogMan at 8/13/2013 12:11:29 PM