Former PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) player Jonathan Fernandez played Santa and handed his Al Ain-based team Kabayan Gents Tailoring a 56-53 win over McFearin Tailoring in Jazzville Basketball League at the Jumeira Baccalaureate School Dubai on Friday, Christmas Day.
Fernandez, who suited up for Purefoods in the PBA, turned in a vintage performance, top-scoring with 22 points including three triples.
He also grabbed nine rebounds and was a vital cog in Kabayan Gents’ interior defence. He was supported by Edwin Manabat, Roy Cayanan and Wowie Kadir who contributed eight points each.
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Skipper Archie Cruz and shooting guard Paul Buenafe led McFearin with combined 28 points while Rommel Caberte and Melvin Faustino added nine and five points respectively.
Although both teams started slow and struggled with their offence in the opening minutes, McFearin took a one-point lead, 10-9, at the end of the first quarter courtesy of two triples by Cruz.
But the game changed in the second quarter after Kabayan Gents made some adjustments and implemented a running game. Fernandez also found his outside shooting and converted three triples to give his team the driver’s seat, 27-25, at the half.
It was a nip and tuck affair in the third period with both teams exchanging baskets and playing good defence but Kabayan Gents maintained their hold of the lead, 41-39, going into the final quarter.
Kabayan Gents enjoyed a five-point lead, 54-49, in the closing minute but Cruz of McFearin kept it close with his three free throws and set the scores 54-52.
McFearin then forced Kabayan to commit a couple of turnovers but they failed to convert these into points as Fernandez, who was declared best player of the game, sealed the win for Kabayan Gents from the free throw line and gave his team their second straight victory in the tournament.
“Fernandez played Santa for the team and the win was a nice Christmas gift for everyone,” Kabayan Gents coach Jason Umali toldSport360.
Meanwhile, Jerry Mendez and Marlon Bernal scored 18 and 11 points respectively to lead Perfect Fit Tailoring to a 69-64 win over Ican Customised Apparel.