By Robert Balajadia

Saturday’s FD Alumni Tournament Basketball games were just about the only sporting event that wasn’t cancelled over the weekend with the classes playing out their final games before the start of the playoffs. The last two games of the night opened up the single elimination playoff rounds between Class of 96/97 and Class 2008 and the Class of 2000/01 vs. the Class of 2011.

2008 – 58, 1996/97 – 45

The Class of 2008 finally got on track after going 0-4 in pool play to get a much needed win over the always dangerous guys of 1996/97.

2008 got a big lift from Jason “Boss-a” Baza who scored a game high 21 points, including three straight back-breaking three pointers from the right corner in the second half which helped ’08 grab a double digit lead with 10 minutes left in the game.

96/97’s Eddie Pelkey and Luis Blanco managed to score off back-to-back buckets to cut the lead 48-40 with under six minutes left, but Baza hit another big-time three pointer from the left wing this time to squander the comeback.

Pelkey finished with 16 points, hitting his first three shots from behind the arc in the first half. Blanco and Jason Camacho had 10 each to round out the top scorers for 96/97. Chris Carbullido had 11 points for ’08, the only other scorer to reach double digits.

2008 will play the host class of 2004 Sunday at 6 pm.

2000/01 – 33, 2011 – 16

Points were hard to come by for 2011 in the second half and the trouble on the offensive end also ended their tournament run at the hands of Dean Manglona and 2000/01. Manglona had a game high 13 points while converting numerous baskets to break cold spells between both teams.

2000/01 were only leading 16-11 at halftime, but 2011 only converted on two baskets and a free-throw while Manglona, Nick Santos, and big man Jude Lizama were converting for 2000/01.

The win for 2000/01 sets up a showdown against 2002/03 in the 7 pm game Sunday night.

Final Day of Pool Play

1974 – 54, 1970 – 42

2002/03 – 48, 2005 – 42

2007 – 60, 2006 – 59

1992 – 44, 1965 – 40

85/86/87 – 29, 1975 – 27

1978/80 – 50, 1989 – 32

2009 – 45, 1999 – 43

1991/98 – 59, 1995 – 39

PHOTO GALLERY:

2011’s Brandon Holm drives to the basket for a layup. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

2000/01’s Nick Santos tries to get past 2011’s Ethan Aguigui. (photo by Robert Balajadia)