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Abra’s Aquino tries to block a shot from Benguet’s Tuazon in the recently concluded semis for secondary men’s basketball event for the CARAA meet.

Benguet overwhelms Abra with a final score of 82-87 overtime game after their recently concluded semifinals for secondary men’s basketball in St. Louis Univeristy-Laboratory High School Gym in Navy Base, Baguio City on February 7.

During the first quarter, Abra’s Lee opened the game with a two-point lay-up but was answered by Benguet’s Gayap, who was having a migraine even before the game started. The quarter ended at 14-12 in favor of Abra.

Benguet was picking up their pace in the second quarter as they try to convert points even if Abra’s Lee was doing three-point shots every now and then. At fifty-six seconds left, Benguet have managed to keep the difference of scores by one point at 32-31, still in favor of Abra.

At the third quarter, as Benguet’s Tuazon rallied his 3-point shots, the team was having problems with shot clock violations. Abra was having a hard time converting as the quarter comes to a close but still managed to lead the score with 47-45.

The turnovers were increasing during the fourth quarter. At 7 minutes and 56 seconds shot clock, the score was tied at 51-51. This paved way to three-point plays from Benguet as Abra’s players committed fouls.  With 2 minutes in the clock, Benguet had a lead of 4 points but when Abra started to successfully steal the ball and converts, the teams have tied 71-71 leading to an overtime.

Benguet’s Tuazon opens the overtime with a 3-point shot but Abra’s Lee was aggressive to answer with his successful two-pointers. Most players have fouled out during this time and Abra was having a hard time converting their free throws giving an edge to Benguet as they close the score with 82-87.

It was an exciting game that almost all spectators were on their feet to cheer for their favorite team.

Kurt Wendell G. Panagan, Benguet’s coach says that, “We feel overwhelmed because the players gave not only their 100, 200 but 300% to make their province proud. We will prepare for tomorrow’s game by relaxing because this was a good fight to be reckoned here since it’s a sweep. Baguio is a team to beat so we will give them a good game tomorrow.”

Abra will take home the bronze medal for men’s secondary division for basketball as Benguet will face Baguio in the championship game on February 8 at the SLU-LHS Gym.

- Ma. Krishna Rae R. Abubo- SPA(Baguio Central School)