Ylanan Gym, UP Diliman - The league top 1 University of Makati Hardy Herons continue breezing through their opponents as the PFL nears its end. With only one lost match so far, the Herons stand over the UP Team Manila who had already lost 3 games. With only two games left in the league, the Herons only need one more victory to secure the championship.
T-Team started with their usual line, making use of Ralph Ramos' accurate passing to attack. The Herons responded with solid defense and interceptions, not allowing any offensive attempts to push through. Able to fend off most of T-Team's attacks, the Herons are able to bring the pressure to their opponent's side, allowing Mark Polo to make a powerful long shot as the game's opening goal. The Herons take two more goals for the period from shots by Polo and T-Team is yet to respond with their own.
T-Team was able to take their first goal a minute into the second period when Ralph Ramos, after an impressive display of ball-control behind the Herons' goal, successfully slams the ball in. The Herons retaliated shortly after with forward Kevin Melencion making a point after receiving a pass from teammate Bernard Dunluan. T-Team, trailing 1-4, cuts the deficit in half after forward Joco Navarro is able to shoot uncontested thanks to a pass by Ralph Ramos. Later on, Ralph Ramos is able to shoot past the Herons' keeper with a hit-in, ending the period with 3 points against 4.
Though T-Team seemed to be on the track to catch up, they are scored upon early by Dunluan and Polo, increasing the Herons' lead to 3. Herons' score yet again, after Kay Toledo shot undefended after driving with an intercepted ball. With time running out and the Herons leading 7 - 3, T-Team forced their main forwards to play longer inside with defender Tata Cabillas also moving up court. This forced the Herons' forwards to defend, leading to a scoring stalemate for the remainder of the game. The game ended Herons 7 and T-Team 3 - the Herons taking a closer step to the championship.
T-Team is aware of the strong offense of the Herons and responded with a whole-court defense. This took its toll on their main players however as they are forced to go back and forth to attack and defend. With the absence of Myk Villanueva and Claude Vitaliano as well, the offense is left to Navarro, Arrojo and the two Ramos'. Cabillas, needed back to defend, had less opportunities to attack.
The Herons remain centered on their forwards Polo and Melencion with Dunluan and Toledo serving as good backup. This made their defensive players able to focus on their back end and contain T-Teams plays.
T-Team's Ralph Ramos gained 2 points and 1 assist, Navarro 1 point, and keeper Je Dimalaluan a total of 12 saves.
Herons' Polo made 4 points, Melencion, Dunluan and Toledo a point each with Dunluan making 2 assists. Keeper Nina Eustaquio saved the goal 8 times.
Written by Jan Godfrey Gallardo
T-Team started with their usual line, making use of Ralph Ramos' accurate passing to attack. The Herons responded with solid defense and interceptions, not allowing any offensive attempts to push through. Able to fend off most of T-Team's attacks, the Herons are able to bring the pressure to their opponent's side, allowing Mark Polo to make a powerful long shot as the game's opening goal. The Herons take two more goals for the period from shots by Polo and T-Team is yet to respond with their own.
T-Team was able to take their first goal a minute into the second period when Ralph Ramos, after an impressive display of ball-control behind the Herons' goal, successfully slams the ball in. The Herons retaliated shortly after with forward Kevin Melencion making a point after receiving a pass from teammate Bernard Dunluan. T-Team, trailing 1-4, cuts the deficit in half after forward Joco Navarro is able to shoot uncontested thanks to a pass by Ralph Ramos. Later on, Ralph Ramos is able to shoot past the Herons' keeper with a hit-in, ending the period with 3 points against 4.
Though T-Team seemed to be on the track to catch up, they are scored upon early by Dunluan and Polo, increasing the Herons' lead to 3. Herons' score yet again, after Kay Toledo shot undefended after driving with an intercepted ball. With time running out and the Herons leading 7 - 3, T-Team forced their main forwards to play longer inside with defender Tata Cabillas also moving up court. This forced the Herons' forwards to defend, leading to a scoring stalemate for the remainder of the game. The game ended Herons 7 and T-Team 3 - the Herons taking a closer step to the championship.
T-Team is aware of the strong offense of the Herons and responded with a whole-court defense. This took its toll on their main players however as they are forced to go back and forth to attack and defend. With the absence of Myk Villanueva and Claude Vitaliano as well, the offense is left to Navarro, Arrojo and the two Ramos'. Cabillas, needed back to defend, had less opportunities to attack.
The Herons remain centered on their forwards Polo and Melencion with Dunluan and Toledo serving as good backup. This made their defensive players able to focus on their back end and contain T-Teams plays.
T-Team's Ralph Ramos gained 2 points and 1 assist, Navarro 1 point, and keeper Je Dimalaluan a total of 12 saves.
Herons' Polo made 4 points, Melencion, Dunluan and Toledo a point each with Dunluan making 2 assists. Keeper Nina Eustaquio saved the goal 8 times.
Written by Jan Godfrey Gallardo
UP T-Team's Ralph Ramos dribbles the ball as UMAK Hardy Heron's Hazzer Talingdan appraches to defend.