Sharks survive rival Jazz in epic encounter
League III.10 Conference Semifinal
Philippine Arena
Another scintillating chapter has been added to arguably the best rivalry in Pilipinas League III.10 today as the #4 seed San Nicolas Sharks barely escaped their hosts and Big 8 #1 seed Gilas Jazz, 105-103, at Philippine Arena to advance to the Big 8 Conference title match.
In front of a capacity crowd, the visitors looked to finish the game early. Buoyed by the hot hands of Markos Papatrichas and Thomas Proffitt, the Sharks would slowly built a huge lead that went as high as 24 points in the middle of the 3rd quarter, 67-43.
But the Jazz did not relent and began their fightback in the game to cut the deficit to 14 points at the end of three periods, 74-60. Their efforts spilled into the 4th quarter as Gao Guoqiang catches fire in the final canto but they can only come close to within seven points for the most part.
This changed during the most crucial moments of the game as the Jazz showed resolve beyond measure. After Gervil Traspe connected with a three-pointer, making it a 10-point game entering the final 2-minute warning, 96-86, the Jazz would go on a short 5-2 run to again stare at a seven-point spread, 98-91.
The Jazz would intentionally foul the Sharks to put them in penalty with just less than a minute remaining. After an empty offensive possession by the Sharks, the Jazz would sue for time with about 35 ticks to go.
In an amazing sequence of events, the Jazz's Pere Cardona would make a three to break the quarter-long stigma and keep the game close, 98-94. The Jazz would play the foul game from there as Papatrichas would net both charities to make it 100-94. In the ensuing play, it would be Luigi Scava that would make the 3 to further cut the Sharks lead to just three, 100-97. But Papatrichas would again make both his freebies to push their lead to five, 102-97 with about 20 seconds left as the Jazz calls another timeout.
Their play off the timeout would see Hector Casas connect on another three 102-100, and the fouled Proffitt afterwards. But Proffitt could only split from the line, 103-100 as the American swingman missed his second attempt. In the battle for the rebound, the Jazz's Gilbert Allen could not keep control of the ball as it slipped out of bounds.
Another Papatrichas split and the Sharks are up by four, 104-100. Scava would again connect from downtown to further threaten the Sharks, 104-103. Papatrichas was fouled yet again but can only muster a split from the line, setting up an opportunity for the Jazz to tie or win the game with just two ticks remaining.
The inbound pass found its way to Egozi, who was open from the corner and launched the potential game-winner that just missed the mark as the final buzzer sounded.
"I have no words to describe this game. This is playoff basketball." said Sharks team manager Ceruver. "I've mentioned before that we always play this team tight and close. But this is something else."
"You have to give them props for fighting back. There's a reason they are the top team in the conference." said Papatrichas, who ended up with 39 points shooting 50% beyond the arc, further typifying his claim as League top scorer. He was backed up by Proffitt's 23 points, six boards and four assists.
"They're our rivals for a reason." said AD Cas, who ended up with 15 points of his own. "Not even a huge lead like what we had in the first half could lower their morale. They've got tough players, man."
With the win, the Sharks move on to face Golden Titi, who handily defeated markandmay, 113-98, in the Big 8 Conference Final.