The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
Morakinyo Michael Williams and Hernal Escosio provided the spark as the Phuket Waves completed their rise as the Thailand Basketball League (TBL) champions.
The fourth-seeded.Waves did it by beating No. 2 seed Ban Bueng Devil Rays, 100-98 in Game 2 of their best-of-three title showdown at the National Stadium.
Williams, who was named Most Valuable Player, finished with 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting on top of, 16 rebounds and three blocks.
Not to be outdone, Escosio came through with 25 points and seven rebounds for the Waves.
Raymond Edward Miller added another double-double performance with 17 points, 14 rebounds and six assists while former PBA player James Martinez contributed another near triple-double with 14 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds for the Waves.
“Sobrang sarap ng feeling, lalo na first time ko playing as head coach, tapos nag-champion pa. Sobrang proud ako sa achievement ng team namin dahil nagsimula kami as No. 4 nung pumasok sa semifinals at ngayon nga, champion na,” said Martinez, whose team is being supported by Sprinto Shades as the official eyewear; Winzir and MEBL Apparel.
“Lahat talaga sa team namin nag step up, lalo na si Wowie (Escosio) nung nag fouled out si Ray (Miller) . Grabe ang ipinakita nilang puso sa game. Hats off din ako kina Kenyo (Williams), Ray at Wowie tsaka sa mga local players. Pati si coach Ronald Mojica,” added Martinez, who first rose to prominence during his playing days with San Beda College and University of the East.
Martinez, who also received a special award for Most Assists Made expressed his gratitude to those who supported his team.
“Gusto kong pasalamatan lahat ng boss namin, si boss Jansen, boss Amp, boss Bird, boss Wp at boss JD, Madam Tine Perez at sir Ric ng Winzir, Pawlo Misolas ng Sprinto Shades, boss Keir ng MEBL Apparel. Pati na sa city ng Phuket para sa inyo ito. At syempre, para sa bayan ating Pilipinas.”
Mvuezolo Joe-Junior led Ban Bueng Devil Rays’ losing efforts with 27 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
He was supported by Jose NouchanThavong, who added 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Thailand Basketball League (TBL) commissioner is Taschai Sansanapitayakorn .
The scores:
Phuket Waves (100) – Williams 33, Escosio 25, Miller 17, Martinez 14, Inmaphan 8, Saeming 3, Saema 0, Jaibunjerd 0.
Ban Bueng Devil Rays (98) – Joe-Junior 27, Thavoong 22, Thitikhunrat 16, Rongruang 13, Kularptip 7, Wongdee 6, Watngam 3, Poungmala 2, Tantiwong 2.
Quarterscores: 26-31, 55-57, 83-80, 100-98.