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Gulf Craft storm 
into UPBL final

Top Ajman outfit Gulf Craft outpaced Jazzville 86-79 in the closing stages of the semi-final to storm into the championship round of the United Pilipinas Basketball League (UPBL)-Season 1 at Al Twar 2 Sports Hall during the weekend.

The championship game will be on Friday where Gulf Craft will face Argonautz, who trashed FaceNBook 80-63.

Rommel Caberte led Gulf Craft with a double-double performance scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds while skipper Archie Cruz added 18 markers, including three triples.

Gulf Craft (blue) and Jazzville fight for the ball. — Supplied photo

JR Villegas, Albert Alberto and Russell Tamayo all had 10 points each. The score was tied at 75-all entering the final two minutes of the game when Caberte made a strong drive to the basket and made a slam dunk.

He was fouled in the process and was given an extra charity. He made the free throw and gave Gulf Craft a three-point lead.

The boat builders carried the momentum in the dying seconds by playing tough defence to secure their win.

“The last two minutes of the game were very important,” said Gulf Craft coach Ramon Diaz. “We gave all that we’ve got to win the game and send ourselves to the finals.”

Early in the match, Gulf Craft trailed Jazzville by nine points, 19-10, but they tied the game at 38-all at the end of second quarter and they finished the third quarter on top by six, 59-53.

Jazzville briefly enjoyed a three-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter, 69-66, after Gerry Ferreras scored a three-pointer and Ritchell Falcon converted a three-point play. Gulf Craft then played solid defence and ran fast break plays in transition to change the complexion of the game.

Falcon top-scored for Jazzville with 23 points while Rolly Basilides added 15. Ferreras and Jeremy Ponce contributed 13 and 11 markers respectively.