| Fadhil Yunus |
ISTANA Maintenance Department moved a step closer in retaining the title after dispatching Propel Services 82-70 in the NBT Inter Company Basketball Tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association court in Batu Bersurat last night.
Central on the team’s success was Geve Leones whose excellent performance was highlighted by a combination of interceptions, passes and countless pointers.
The game became an increasingly tall order for Propel when Leones hit form in the final quarter.
Leones enticed Propel’s Mangahas to commit an offence and accepted free throws with perfect conversions, executed a three-pointer, intercepted an opponent and delivered a fine pass.
Unfortunately, the pass led to a break for the Propel who rushed forward with a succession of two pointers which was not enough as time was not in their favour.
Istana Maintenance Department coach Rey V Molina said the arrival of point guard Leones has immensely bolstered the team in their quest of keeping their title.
Geve Leones helps Istana Maintenance Department to a 82-70 win over Propel Services. – FADHIL YUNUS
“The point guard was our problem before but we now have an advantage in that position unlike before,” said Molina after the victory over Propel.
Molina agreed the sheer presence of Leones in the side contributed to the team’s victory which was evident with his high-scoring exploits in the tie.
The Filipino, who boasts a decade worth of coaching experience, labelled his defence ‘powerful’.
Propel found gear on the last few minutes but Istana Maintenance Department have since been winding the clock down.
“The advantage for us was the time,” said Molina who oversaw his team’s Inter Company title triumph last year.
Molina has also revealed of the benefit of having three POWs in his team including Elvin Requintin.
However, despite all the fine work on the court, Molina refused to be content with their current form as they vow to iron out the minor issues to ensure they run out back-to-back winners.
“To complete, we need our key players to provide more support to our group,” said Molina.
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