HEADS Survive Foul-Plagued Championship Against Pure Foods

From http://www.dreamleague.org/season/game.php?game_id=8287

SEPTEMBER 5, 2004 -- In a Bird-vs-Nique-like showdown, Jeremy DelaCruz scored 14 of his 29 points in the 4th quarter to keep the HEADS in front of Pure Foods by the score of 63-57 in the AAA Championship, although Chris Pacana of Pure Foods actually outscored DelaCruz 18 to 14 in that final frame.

The game was foul-plagued from the start, as the HEADS' Raffy Consing and Al Yee fouled out while three other teammates had 4 personals. But neither team could really capitalize from the charity stripe. The HEADS missed 13 and Pure Foods 16 free throw opportunities.

Pacana carried Pure Foods with 34 points and 9 rebounds, but committed 7 turnovers, many of them on dimes that probably should have been caught by a teammate and converted -- it was clear that some of the Pure Foods players were still not used to playing with the brilliant point guard, despite the previous three games in which Pacana tallied 4.3 assists per game.

Robert Miller chipped in 10 rebounds for Pure Foods, but could not supply enough offense, going just 2-for-11 from the floor. John Chen supplied 13 points, but fouled out early in the 4th quarter. For the HEADS, Francis Machica had a quiet game with only 10 points, while Lawrence Soriano grabbed 10 boards. Interestingly, Pure Foods outrebounded and committed fewer turnovers than the HEADS, but outside of Pacana, the Pure Foods players shot just 7-for-37. By contrast, outside of DelaCruz, the HEADS supporting cast shot 11-for-22.

By the fourth quarter and down 42-35, Pacana realized that he had to bring Pure Foods back by himself. But everytime it looked like he'd help them turn the corner, DelaCruz would answer with a big shot. Pure Foods had one last chance with about a minute-and-a-half left, down 56-53, as Pacana drove to the hole, drew a couple of defenders, and dropped a pass to a teammate who missed a layup. After that, DelaCruz made another big shot and Pure Foods had no choice but to send the HEADS, who had enough of a buffer by then, to the free throw line.

DelaCruz carried the MVP trophy home after the game, but Pacana was later named co-MVP for his great play. This game should be remembered as a showcase for West Coast point guard talent. DelaCruz from the Bay Area and Pacana from LA are certainly two of the best that we hope to see in next February's Asian American National Championships in Vegas during President's Day Weekend.