Pitbull-Ras Al Khaimah showed their ferocity from the get-go to discharge Umm Al Quwain-Bicol Express 96-78 and secure the last semi-final ticket in the MFBA Inter-Emirates Basketball Tournament at Asma Bint Al Nouman Gym in Dubai.

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Guards Arnold Booker and Derrick Manalo started the scoring rampage for Pitbull-RAK in the first quarter where they established an eight-point lead, 31-23.

Pitbull continued to roll in the second quarter and increased their advantage to double-digits, 53-42, at the turn. They maintained their impressive performance in the third quarter and their aggressive play peaked at the start of the fourth period, where they kicked-off a 15-2 run and pulled away with a 24-point cushion, 92-68, with five minutes left to play.

Pitbull then played some stingy defence and wasted the time to clinch the win and secure a trip to the semi-final where they will meet league-leaders Dubai-Jazzville on January 9. The other semi-final match will feature number two team PGW-Ajman and number three Fujairah Falcons.

“We played remarkably well and very consistently,” Pitbull-RAK coach Rolan Carpi told Sport360. “There was team chemistry and the players have become more united. We hope to sustain this momentum and score an upset win against Jazzville in the semi-final.”

“Pitbull played a wonderful game; the coaching staff and players deserve much credit,” commented Umm Al Quwain-Bicol Express coach Vicente Berces.

Pitbull had a balanced game with six players scoring in double digits led by Tong Maniego with 23 points, including five triples. Booker, Manalo and Fritz Bauzon contributed 15 markers each. Virgilio Manuel had a double-double performance, scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Ron Sanchez also finished with 10 markers.

The Inter-Emirates Basketball Tournament is organised by Mc Fearin Basketball Association and powered by Synergy Sports. The champion in the tournament will represent the UAE in the 5th Inter-GCC All-Filipino Basketball Tournament first quarter of 2015.

Scorers

Pitbull-Ras Al Khaimah 96 – Tong Maniego 23; Fritz Bauzon 15; Arnold Booker 15; Derrick Manalo 15;  Virgilio Manuel 10; Ron Sanchez 10; Joel Ramirez 8

Umm Al Quwain-Bicol Express 78 – Jerry Mendez 22; Benjo Balijon 19; Marlon Bernal 12; Paul Buenafe 9; Ritchell Sarabia 8; Jeff Manjares 4; Nano Cabrera 2; Dennis Buenviaje 2