On an emotional night for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Indiana Pacers took care of business and went out with a 107-103 win for the 2015-2016 NBA Regular Season.
The Indiana Pacers was cruising for most part of the game, when Lakers mad an improbable run towards the end of ballgame.
Boistered by the homecourt fans who were emotional over the announced retirement of Kobe after this NBA Season, Metta World Peace lead the Lakers defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, even adding a crucial 3 pointer before fouling out.
And as if on queue and as he had done all his career, Kobe Bryant made a 3 pointer to bring his team closer. However, his last trey to tie the game was off target and air-balled out of bonds.
Paul George was steady on the free throw line and finally closed out the Lakers.
Thanks to ABS-CBN Sports free live streaming, I was able to watch this game between the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers against the National University Bulldogs. This is part of the second round of eliminations for the UAAP Season 78 Men's Basketball.
Tournament leader UST was cruising along in the first two and a half quarters, leading by as much as 12 points most of the way.
But Alolino, Aroga and an ace defense from NU made it an exciting game in the fourth quarter, eventually taking the lead after Alolino's 3 point shot 55 - 54. UST got the lead back on a basket by Vigil. Sheriff made a steal that led to a lay-up by Daquioag for a 58 -55 score.
An exchange of baskets to UST advantage, NU failed to score on their posession. Karim Abdul made two free throws for a more comfortable 62-57 lead for UST with only 26.9 seconds to go.
After a time-out, Alolino missed on his three-point try. And there goes their chances as Kevin Ferrer closed the scoring in the free throw line 65 - 57.
UST exacted revenge for their only of Season 78 so far. More importantly, their 8th win secured for them at least a play-off berth for a final four slot.
For NU, the loss will make it doubly harder for them to reach final four and be able to defend the championship they won last year.
SIDE NOTE:
One of the referees who officiated this game was my P.E. Teacher for Basketball, Mr. Ballecer.
I'm glad that Steve Nash & the Phoenix Suns won again. This time against the New Orleans Hornets 120 - 103 in the compacted 2011 - 2012 NBA Season
I'm glad that Steve Nash reached a new milestone - being the Sun's franchise most prolific passer. He now holds the record of 6, 522 assists and counting as a Phoenix Suns. His career assist total is 9, 441. He stands to surpass Oscar Robertson who only has 46 more assists as 4th assists leader all time in the NBA.
Go, Suns!
Finally, I get to read something good about Steve Nash and my Phoenix Suns. They won over the New York Knicks that has Carmelo Anthony (although not 100%), former Sun, Amar'e Stoudemire and newly acquired Tyson Chandler.
The conspiracy theorist in me says this was a gimme win because of Phoenix former ties to now Knicks Coach Mike d'Antoni. But the Knicks themselves are in dire need of wins after their underperforming start for the season. That ridiculous thought is quickly dispelled.
Understandably, the Suns haven't been talked about this NBA 2011-2012 season because of a weak roster. But I am glad that they are still battling out there, ably lead by the unaging Nash.
If they could just squeeze in as the 8th seed on a highly competitive Western Conference, that would be an early Christmas sports present for me.
