Defending champion team Originals escaped a narrow road as they managed to beat Ocean View/PCGM, 83-82 in Game One of their best of three championship series of the Master’s Basketball League, Sunday at the Palau High School gym.

Down 82-80 with 3.7 second left in the game clock, Originals’ Rogelio Fernandez took matters into his own hands as he threw the ball from mid court and was lucky to connect before the sound of the buzzer. The shot left all amazed as the Originals scored the win and take a 1-0 lead in their series.

Fernandez led the scoring chores for the Originals with 26 points despite being outscored by his counterpart Ricky Erese who led Ocean View/PCGM with 28. But Fernandez shined during the game with his winning shot.

In the consolation game, PPR All Stud won over Jive Restaurant, 73-70 with Bong Montel leading the way with 32 baskets.

Game Two of the championship series will be played on December 4 at 2:30 p.m. with the Originals hoping to cap the series and retain their title.

The league is organized by The Filipino Community in Palau (TFCP) in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Palau and sponsored by WCTC, Shimbros, Sarah’s Yum-Yum, Pinoy Express-Palau, Alpha Phi Omega, Roll ‘Em Productions/OTV, Palau Curtains and General Merchandise, Aqua Drinking Water, CTSI Logistics/Western Union, Ivan Rudimch and Company, Royal Cargo Palau Inc., FR Construction, Mingles Tototo Restaurant, Kabayan Restaurant, Pinoy Restaurant, Payless Market, Jheaff Remittance/HBO, Melusch-Dil Skin Care and Wellness Center, CT Shop, Mog-Mog Restaurant, F.M Barber Shop, Aqua Marine Center, Nayong Pilipino, H.P. Frontline, Bento Palau, Imperial Bar and MJ Trading and General Merchandise.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)