Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
D'BARKADZ outgunned Cara Mudah 86-81 to secure a semi-finals berth in the Low San Basketball Tournament on Monday.
Jomarie Corpuz, despite a rough shooting night going 15-45 from the field, notched a game-high of 39 points and 10 rebounds for D'Barkadz.
Patrick Rubillar added 13 points while Absar Salih hauled down a massive 18 rebounds to go with his 10 points.
Ryan Francisco also bagged a double-double with 10 points and 12 boards in the victory.
On the other hand, Jonathan Lim topscored for Cara Mudah with 29 points.
Devon Lim contributed 16 while Jake Chong poured in 14 to a losing cause.
It was a high tempo matchup with Cara Mudah sticking their noses in front 45-44 at halftime.
They opened up a double digit lead for the first time after beginning the third period with a 9-0 run.
Cara Mudah then made a switch of their entire unit to keep their legs fresh at the BBA Court in Batu Bersurat.
But the momentum swing in the favour of D'Barkadz as they closed the gap to one point.
The YOU.C1000 Cup champions then went back in front after a fastbreak basket by Corpuz with a minute left in the frame.
He then knocked down a trey in transition off a Cara Mudah turnover - for 17 points in the quarter - to see D'Barkadz lead 68-63 heading into the decisive period.
It remained close and D'Barkadz held their breath as Corpuz picked up his fourth foul with over five minutes to play.
Marion Pineda hit a huge three-pointer, his only basket of the game, to make it 77-72 midway through.
Cara Mudah then scored back-to-back baskets leading to a D'Barkadz timeout with 2:24 left.
It worked as Rubillar scored an easy layup after coming back on the floor and Corpuz followed that up with a floater.
Chong then completed a three-point play at the other to make it a two-point game at 81-79 with over a minute left.
Rubillar then missed both his charities but Cara Mudah failed to capitalise and came up empty handed.
D'Barkadz got the ball in the hands of Corpuz.
He was allowed to dribble down the clock and with space, knocked down a dagger from behind the arc with 36 seconds to go.
