Vans Basket Arena, Philippines -- Division IV Vans Philippines gave their all - almost advancing - but Cresta Verde Mountaineers experience prevailed in a 136-133 high-scoring thriller.

Both teams were on fire and Vans even led 33-31 to end the first. In the second quarter, Mountaineers put some 'D' scoring 35 points while 'holding' Vans to a 25-point output as they led 66-56 in the first half.

In the third quarter, they exchanged baskets with the Mountaineers still leading 101-92 hitting the century mark just in the third.

Fast-forward to the one-minute mark in the fourth, the Mountaineers were leading comfortably 129-122 until some wild sequence in the final minute of the game.

With 59 seconds, Aristides Almeida scored a three-point shot pulling with four, 129-125. Gavienne Hamoy was fouled on their next possession making two free throws to keep them at bay 131-125.

Fulvio Vellutini then made a two-point shot with 45 seconds, 131-127. Hamoy was again fouled hitting 1 out of 2 to make it 132-127.

This time, Robert Bertoldi made a three to inch within two, 132-130 with 36 seconds left. Vans opted to play defense as they have 12 seconds and Santos Verano attempted a jump shot and missed; however, they forgot to box him out and grab his own miss and immediately put up a shot and scored -- the Mountaineers leading 134-130.

Vans Philippines called a timeout and made a great play hitting a three in just six seconds to inch closer 134-133. They fouled rookie Hamoy who made 1/2 free throws again with the Mountaineers leading 135-133.

Vans called a 30-second timeout and set Bertoldi for a three but Hamoy made up for his two missed free throws by making a crucial block and Verano grabbing the ball.

But still, in the ensuing possession, Hamoy got fouled and made 1/2. Giving a 'ray of hope' for Vans as they have one more shot with the Mountaineers leading 136-133. With six seconds to maneuver, they setup Bertoldi again for the game-tying three with Hamoy in his face but the shot missed - Mountaineers win!

That was the type of game Hamoy experienced in his first start while playing all-48 minutes logging 17 points. He was very efficient as he calmly sinked 9-12 free throws except his last six attempts where he alternated makes and misses.

"Call it rookie jitters but he was poised all throughout" GM Nicolo Maro said.

Santos Verano was definitely the best player on the floor scoring 34 points while grabbing 18 rebounds in 16-22 field goal shooting in 38 minutes.

"Verano is very solid, if we could turn back the time, we should have developed him" Nicolo Maro in his assessment.

The Mountaineers got some very impressive plays as Melanie Gabo notched a double-double with 19 points and 17 rebounds while Abelardo Lambatan had 18 points and 11 assists in their starts. "I'm very impressed," was all their GM could say.

Thaddeus Villacin provided the muscles with 16 points and 13 rebounds while Fillmore Sabangan scored 20 points in 20 minutes coming off the bench.

Vellutini led Vans with a game-high 39 points while Bertoldi poured in 31. Wolframm Spinnler chipped in 26 points making 6 of 11 from the arc while Almeida had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

"Their team is tired, they did their best, but end of the road for them" Maro said.

Vans was able to keep it close by knocking 17 of 37 three point attempts as the Mountaineers pounded the ball inside attempting just five. The Mountaineers however crashed the boards with a +27 advantage and having +12 assists than Vans.

After a challenging week, the Mountaineers will have a rest day while preparing for their coming games.

Player of the game: S. Verano - 34 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists & 4 steals.
X-factor: A. Lambatan - 18 p

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