Go takes charge in crunch time

TEAM Duterte-CMO and IBP-Bulacan battled to a 75-75 deadlock in their first-ever basketball game encounter Friday at the Genesis 88 Gym in Davao City.

Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go came through with 35 points marked with marvelous performance in the final seconds of the game.

Go, the Special Assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte, took charge down the stretch for Team Duterte to rally his troops and end the epic battle to a thrilling draw against the National IBP League champions.

He dazzled from behind the arc midway of the pay-off period, hitting back-to- back triple, to spearhead a Team Duterte comeback.

After Go’s foray, Team Duterte and IBP Bulacan traded baskets and both made crucial defensive stops that set up a grinding end game.

With seven seconds remaining, Go, who shot seven treys, drove to the basket and was fouled. He easily made the freebies to give Team Duterte a 75-72 upperhand.

IBP-Bulacan called for a timeout and head coach Judge Don Montero mapped out a successful game-tying play behind the arc with two seconds left.

Heavily-guarded with much taller defenders, Go managed to pull off a final heave but went off.

Warlito Gogolin scored 14 to lead the way for IBP-Bulacan which drew impressive showing from Bien Almonte who made 10.

Toots Bautista, Mike Sajor and Rommel Nardo also delivered significant contributions for IBP-Bulacan with combined 27.

Joel Aberilla chipped in 15 points for Team Duterte-CMO then trailing the entire first half and was down by eight at the break.

IBP-Bulacan played superb basketball to the admiration of Team Duterte coaching staff, fellow lawyers and the game observers.

But the Go-led Davao-based Team Duterte squad put up a good fight to give the visiting team an exciting game. RICO BILIRAN