Date with Destiny: Blades win Game 2 to seal title
After nine seasons in the League, the Bacoor Blades finally won the title after defeating fellow finalist Black fox, 102-87, wrapping the series up 2-0, at The Bacoor Forum.
Coming off a gutsy performance in Game 1, where they managed to pull it off in the endgame, the Blades went back home to try and seal the deal. And they were received by 16,995 fans wanting a celebration on their home floor.
But the visitors were looking to postpone the party.
In a hotly-contested opening period, it was Black fox’s Boen Santiago that proved to be the difference, leading his team with 10 first quarter points. Black fox went on an 8-0 run over the last two minutes of the period to take the lead, 28-20.
The second quarter saw the visitors pummel the Blades, with the lead going as high as 12 points, 34-22. But the Cavite five, led by Dendo Jardeleza and Luke Andrade, ignited a 15-2 run to take the lead 37-36. But Black fox were able to wrestle the lead back from the hosts, though the game was made a lot closer entering the halfway mark, 46-43.
The third quarter saw the two League powerhouses exchange blows like prized fighters, with Black fox managing to hold on to a precarious one-point lead, 66-65.
To make matters worse, Luke Andrade fouled out in the 8:22 mark of the final period, which left Zhou Honggui to hold the fort for the Blades. But the partnership of Jardeleza and Rodney Tronco carried the way for Bacoor. The game would again enter into a cardiac climax just like Game 1, with Black fox trying to extend the game by fouling. And true to form, Tronco and Alex Arboleda reprised their roles by connecting clutch freethrows late to seal their second championship for good.
Jardeleza got his bounce-back performance of 27 points, 8 rebounds and six assists. Tronco backed him up with 24 points of his own. Andrade scored 23 before being disqualified.
Boen Santiago went on to score 27 points and 16 rebounds for Black fox, while newly-crowned MVP Oliver Velasco scored 26 in a gallant effort to try and extend the series to a do-or-die decider.
“We finally did it. This is very memorable. After what happened last season, this is sweet redemption.” Said team manager TheDogMan as the mix of balloons and confetti showered the entire arena. “These guys showed grit and composure in times of adversity. In Game 1 when Dendo fouled out and here tonight when Luke fouled out, they showed the same toughness and character. I’m very proud of what they’ve accomplished this season.”
“Nagawa rin namin. Nag-champion din kami.” Said Andrade, whose frustration late in the game turned to jubilation when the final buzzer sounded.
“Eto yung gusto ng Bacoor community. Nakakatuwa at nabigay namin ito sa kanila.” Said Jardeleza. “Unang season ko palang dito pero pinaramdam agad nila na welcome ako rito. Ganun din sila sa iba pang mga bagong dumating. Na-appreciate nila yung mga players kaya napakaganda sa pakiramdam na masuklian namin yung suporta nila.”
Despite wielding identical 20-2 records with Black fox, the Blades lost home-court advantage due to point differential. But it proved to be a blessing in disguise as the Cavite-based squad would be able to win the title on home soil in Game 2.
“I would like to congratulate Black fox and their manager, Borrju01 for a great title series. It was a clash between the two best teams in the League and it was a spectacular encounter. They’ll remain to be a formidable force next season with that lineup, led by League MVP Oliver Velasco.” Said TheDogMan.
Aside from the championship, the Blades are also awarded promotion to Division II, where the level of competition is raised a notch higher and the challenges get even harder.
“Let’s enjoy this for now. It still hasn’t sunk in yet.” Added the Blades’ gaffer. “There will come a point where I will have to think of that. But for now, I’ll just let the boys celebrate this achievement.”