Guam: Crispa 108, Toyota 92 (March 5, 1984)

Crispa denied Toyota a chance to bid goodbye on a winning note after salvaging a split of their two-game exhibition series in Guam.

Crispa strikes back against tired Toyota

By Bert Eljera

Tempo

Published Wednesday March 7, 1984

GUAM, March 6 (via Philcom) — Toyota’s bid for a glorious exit turned into a nightmare Monday night as Crispa, playing like it was the one saying goodbye, came through with a devastating fourth quarter to pull off a 108-92 victory over the Corollas here.

The Redmanizers, stung by the humiliating loss in the first game Sunday, spewed fire throughout this time and buried the fast-tiring Corollas with relentless fastbreaks before another sell-out crowd at the University of Guam gym.

With Alberto Guidaben dominating the boards, Crispa’s run-and-gun game netted 16 points in the first five minutes of the final period while Toyota was held to measly two points in the same stretch to turn the game, which had started close and exciting into a ghastly rout.

It was the Redmanizers’ better conditioning and teamwork which prevailed in the end, although the Corollas, displaying the same fierce pride which had been their trademark in nine years in the Philippine Basketball Association, fought gallantly while they lasted.

Crispa and Toyota thus stood 1-1 at the end of the series, called the last hurrah in Guam, which finally brought the curtains down on one of the most colorful rivalries in Philippine basketball.

“We played better defense. They had a hard time setting up their plays,” said coach Narciso Bernardo. “But it was very clear that the boys were more determined. I told them that our prestige as a team is at stake in this series.”

Crispa head of delegation Consul General Ruben Ramirez said that they needed the game more. “We don’t want to go home to Manila with our heads bowed. I’m happy the boys responded. What you saw was the real Crispa team playing,” he said.

Philip Cezar, the most consistent among the Crispa players for the entire series, fired 24 points while Arturo Cristobal, filling in for the off-and-on Fortunato Co, Jr., added 23 points.

Cezar, Guidaben and Bernard Fabiosa were later named to the mythical selection together with Robert Jaworski and Abe King. Each received $200 as prizes.

It was Arnulfo Tuadles, however, who sizzled for Toyota as he scored all but two of the Corollas’ 13 points in the final quarter on the way to a game high 29 points.

Many felt that Tuadles should have been among the mythical five along with Francis Arnaiz, who brilliantly played for three quarters until fatigue caught up with him.

Arnaiz finished with 15 points. He said later that he was saddened by the demise of his team. “It’s kind of sad that this timing has to end,” he said.

Arnaiz, Jaworski and Fernandez were the only survivors of the team which joined the Philippine Basketball Association in 1975 after Toyota had captured the MICAA championship.

Toyota had won the first match, 109-101, and looked headed for a sweep when the Corollas took control of the match in the first half.

But the rigors of the physical contest took its toll on the off-form Corollas and there was nothing left of them when the Redmanizers stepped on the gas in the fourth quarter.

Guidaben, who went into foul trouble early, pulled down seven of his 16 rebounds in the fourth quarter to trigger a flurry of fastbreaks that broke the back of the Corollas.

The 16-2 run hoisted Crispa up by 17 points twice. The last of 100-83 with six minutes to go and Toyota never mounted a rally after that.

Only Tuadles answered the guns of Crispa as he banged in 11 points, mostly on hits from the outside.

“They were better prepared. The boys got tired in the second half,” said assistant coach Quirino Salazar.

The individual scores:

Crispa (108) — Cezar 24, Cristobal 23, Co 19, Fabiosa 18, Guidaben 12, Hubalde 4, Israel 4, Villamin 2, Esguerra 2.

Toyota (92) — Tuadles 29, King 17, Arnaiz 15, Jaworski 9, Herrera 7, Loyzaga 7, Relosa 6, Legaspi 2.

Quarterscores: 27-29, 51-56, 82-79, 108-92.