As The DUB League Volume 3.0 is approaching the end of the season, many of the star players from each team did not play in Week 6 due to a conflict in scheduling. The expectation for the Week 6 matchups were still great knowing that the non-star players will be able to show their playmaking skills.
With Mother Nature also not cooperating in Week 6, a heavy overnight downpour hit Dallas and continued on until mid morning. Many of the players who were supposed to play either got stranded or probably slept through the cold weather, the comforting sound of the rain, and the temptation of not traveling through the dangerous storm.
With all signs pointed to canceling Week 6, the show did go on. And fortune favors those who were bold enough to came and made games happen.
The Good
After living behind the big shadows of his father, Aldrin, and his brother, Aldrich, Ads Acuna came out as the biggest winner of Week 6 in their win over Team Pogi while tallying 32 points to lead all scorers. The game was close throughout the first half only for Team Pogi to let the dam burst when Ads came out firing with 5 3-pointers in the opening minutes of the second half. Four of these 3 pointers were in the same spot. The Astig boys came out firing also and dominating the lowly Team Pogi in all categories – points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Ads probably have the secret genes of a super baller and it just manifested in Week 6. Special mention to Chris B, Noel Bagalso, Cris Dapon, Jesse Roque, Phoenix Galing, Mitchell Salas, and Rommel Calaguas for braving the bad weather and compete. Will the hot streak continue on Week 7?
The Barakos main players came in to ball in Week 6. Neil Bagalso, Mico Mercado, and Yuhenyo Giron called it as a good warmup before their games later in the afternoon. Mico scored 22 points while Yuhenyo tallied 13 points en route to a decisive 60-43 victory over the Balut All Stars who were playing again undermanned. Melchor Dupale looked like he is finally hitting his stride from the long range hitting 3 3-point bombs. Neil Bagalso was solid with 11 points and John Dahan had a terrific defensive game. Will they continue to run and bulldoze their opponents?
Balut All Stars came to the game undermanned but that did not prevent them from competing and getting close the entire game until fatigue set in. It was very commendable for the Baluts as they had been understaffed the 5 of the 6 weeks but that did not stop them from competing and giving their blood, sweat, and tears every time they set their foot on the floor. This is what every young basketball player must strive to be. Have no fear. Play your game. Play it like it is your last.
The Underdogs were the usual feature in the Good category as they were rolling on another win over the heavily flavored Kambing Inc team who were playing without their stars – Jeffrey Duria, Ronnie Tallud and Andrei Malacapay. Aldwin Brotonel led the game in points for the Underdogs while Oliver Poblete had his best rebounding game with 10 rebounds. The game was close but the firepower for The Underdogs were just too much in this game. Will this carry over in the playoffs if the two teams face again?
The Bad
Team Pogi is sliding off the standings while losing their last 3 games. The team could not take a break. With CJ Pineda hobbling on one and a half knee and the team out-of-sync, it was near impossible for them to win over the Astig Boys. Gerald, GJ, and Mark played a solid game but the Astig firepower were just too much to stop. Will the slide end this weekend as they play the might Juan and the Senior Citizens?
This was borderline Good and Bad but I will just put this in the Bad section so I have something to write here. Senior Citizens came early with 5 players fighting the severe thunderstorm and torrential rain to face the defending champions Kuya Cats. This would have been the first time for both teams to face together after the offseason breakup. It was just too bad that the game ended up on a day where too many things were happening. The Gods have deprived us of a very good game!
Kambing Inc only had 4 players to play in the game but they all performed amazingly. They kept the game close but lose their composure in the second half when The Underdogs breezed by them. Neil Cristobal (9 rebounds) and Bombi Toves led the team with 21 points a piece while Von and James contributed 8 and 6 points, respectively. We haven’t seen the last of the Kambings don’t we?
The Ugly
If the Kuya Cats informed the league that they would not show up in their game, then the schedule could have moved up and the cash-strapped league did not have to pay to officials for that game. But, the league understands that there were commitments made and scheduling conflicts plus the Mother Nature was not so friendly in Week 6. We did miss a good game though. But hey, at least the folks present were able to play a pickup game prior to their own games.
Mother Nature was not so generous that day. If there was no league game, I would just slept through until 12 noon. The weather was perfect for sleeping but not for traveling and playing basketball. Hopefully, we will get the same weather after November 18th when all the games are over.