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By Colin Leon Guerrero

John Ilao throws up a floater over the 2010 defense. (photo by Kevin Wang)

“It was like playing our little brothers tonight, so we have to treat them like little brothers,” said Earvin Jose after his Class of 2010 defeated the Class of 2012 46-43 in a tense playoff game at the FD Alumni Basketball Tournament Monday night at The Jungle.

Knowing that the stakes were high, both teams played physical and aggressive right from the opening tip-off. 2010 got off to an early lead thanks to early buckets made by Jose. It was not only Jose who was contributing for 2010, but also a full team effort as Jose got help from Robbie Leon Guerrero and Josh Algubat who were able to make baskets.

2012 made a comeback midway though the first half after quick scores from Jon Ilao and Christian San Miguel who brought their class within two during the tail end of the half at 29-27. However, Jose shot a three right before halftime to put ’10 up six.

“Its Playoff time, no more messing around,” said Jose as he reminded his brothers that it is the playoffs and all games are elimination games. Jose led all scorers with 12 points.

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Ervin Jose

In the second half ’10 picked up right where they left off as they extended their lead by five after a couple of easy layups from Leon Guerrero and Harry Cruz, extending the lead 34-27 in the opening minutes of the second half. 2012 would not go away easily however as their quick defense were able to get a couple of steals which leads to easy baskets from Cameron Eusebio and Christian San Miguel which brought 2012 within two at 35-33.

Being a playoff game, and a close one at that the crowd was definitely roaring in the Jungle as they appreciated the tough play from both squads. “The crowd just adds to it,” said Jose. The crowd was so into it that they started to taunt some of the players while taking shots.

Ilao hit a clutch three pointer with a chance to make a four-point-play after being fouled Will Williams but he was unable to make the three throws ending 12’s chances sending the game into overtime.

“It’s a fun tournament, but we want to get that win doesn’t matter if its by one or ten,” said Jose as 2010 is out to make a statement this tournament. They will get their chance as they play the defending champions Class of 2006 Saturday night.

Other Scores:

Class of 2013 def. Class of 2003: 51-47

Class of 96/97 def. Class of 1998:63-32

FULL TOURNAMENT SCOREBOARD

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

2012’s John Ilao drives in through an opening on route to an easy layup. (photo by Kevin Wang)

2010’s Josh Aglubat played good defense throughout the game as he made key rebounds to keep his team alive. (photo by Kevin Wang)

Cameron Eusebio hits a crucial three pointer which put his team up by three points in the fourth quarter. (photo by Kevin Wang)

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