PIBAQ Falcons, an all-star selection of Filipino cagers, survived the big scare by applying a run-and-gun attack in the dying minutes to emerge winner over an equally strong veteran line-up of Lebanese Legends 76-73 in a friendly game last week.
The clash likened to the FIBA rivalry between the two countries capped the exciting finals game at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall where Al Jaish beat Al Gharafa Sports Club to claim the HH Emir Cup crown. PIBAQ Falcons whose selection are also former stars in the professional leagues back home obviously displayed fresher legs that proved to be crucial in few minutes left before the final buzzer.
The Filipino team is supported by McDonald’s Restaurant (Al Mana Restaurants and Food Co., WLL). Their win was not earned with a silver platter since their opponents are veterans who represented their country in many international tournaments in the past.
The Lebanese Legends started out strong in the game opening but PIBAQ Falcons refused to budge to keep closer in the scores. Both teams have separately drawn their own legions of fans from their countrymen.
The Filipino squad got a big scare in the second and third quarter but remain in contention with an average of six to 10 points a minute to keep them in running battle.
Both teams traded baskets in the last quarter but the Filipinos showed more tenacity with their fastbreak attack to come up victorious in the game.
PIBAQ Falcons paraded the reliable frontliners in the likes of Francis Mercado, Nino Gelig, Ronnie Cajayon, Jayson Tiongson and Rodel Mallari.