Tapsi slay Dragons to go one up

UNBEATEN Master Tapsi downed Smart Dragons 9277 in the first of the best-ofthree-games final of the Chitato Chips Mini Basketball Tournament at the Cambodian Country Club court on Wednesday night.

The predominantly Filipino outfit drew its floor strength from Fredjie Portades, who was on fire, rolling in 30 points with admirable support from Janno Cunnanan

(23) and Aimar Sabayo (12).

Ladon Buchanan (18) and Sean Looney (10) kept the Dragons in the chase while limiting Tapsi’s scoring opportunities.

But in the third quarter, Tapsi tactically tapped into their reserves even as the Dragons were feeling the physical pinch, despite coach Josh Galt seeking rotations to conserve energy.

Tapsi’s Dong Menghamal could only shoot one 3-pointer as Jeff Kane and Traijkovic guarded him, but that allowed Sabayo and Cunnanan to drive in for quick baskets.

As the weary legged Dragons began to wane, Tapsi led 72-55 going into the final quarter. Jeff Kane and Collin Hogkins sunk two 3-pointers each to shore up the Dragons, but Portades hit the floor hard to keep Tapsi going.

On the strength of their first game showing, Tapsi hold a distinct edge over their rivals when the two sides meet in the second game at 5pm on Sunday, after Extra Joss Fighters and MSGM play off for third place.