A close shave by the Bataan Risers over the Manila Stars

A close shave by the Bataan Risers over the Manila Stars

by rick olivares

It’s a big win no doubt, 73-72. But this game one semi-finals win by the Bataan Risers over the Manila Stars leaves just a bit of cause for concern. 

They led 65-48 heading into the fourth period. It is there they suffered a massive meltdown as the Stars outscored them 25-8 in front of a shocked and nervous home crowd. 

I wonder though if the “homecourt” advantage worked for Bataan. That is because prior to game one, the Manila Stars played three away matches at the Bataan People’s Center and are 3-0 there. They know the atmosphere, the vibe, the tough rims, and the crowd. Like Bataan, they have suffered one loss there. 

But back to the second sup-bar finish. In the quarterfinals series, the Caloocan Supremos made one last push in the fourth period after Bataan threatened to pull away.

Is it a question of overconfidence or the opposition rising to the occasion? Or both?

The Risers managed only four points in the final minute of play while the Stars scored seven. And that old problem of poor free throw shooting was on display as Bataan only hit two of four. Were it not that big a cushion and probably a minute more of play, Manila could have verily come away as winners.

But as crucial as those misses from the free throw line by Bataan, it was worse for Manila that was awarded 38 free throws but hit only 11. 

Both teams did suffer from bad shooting days. Some of the key players on both sides didn’t perform well. There were exceptions – Richard Escoto for Bataan and Aris Dionisio for Manila – but the bad game cancelled out a lot of things. 

Although Manila won the battle of the boards 61-54, Bataan did not really pay for the second chances afforded as Manila had a slight slight edge in that category, 14-13.

The battle inside was crucial and both teams scored 38 points each in the lane. 

It looks like those six games where Bataan won by four points or less came into play. The Risers are now 6-0 when it comes to games decided by four point or less. The win also avenges the first loss of the season to Manila.

Ugly win or not, a win is a win, and it gives Bataan one game ahead with two chances to advance to the division finals. And now it is time to take the game on the road. 

The Manila Stars are 1-1 at the Filoil Flying V Centre while the Bataan Risers have yet to play there this season. 

Should that matter? Not at all. They have an even better record on the road than at home 15-1 (away) to (11-1). 

Whatever it is, Game Two is going to be another close match.