IKEA overwhelms United COE, advances to Semis

by Rey Tecson on October 05, 2012

Al Khalijia School Regai, Kuwait–Home furnishing leader IKEA knockout defending champion United COE in a one sided (perhaps COE's worse defeat ever) season quarterfinal battle of the ongoing Philbacks 8th conference basketball tournament Inter-company division.

IKEA dominates United COE early on the game that keep on sinking points at will under the paint, in the perimeter, and three point areas. United COE has no answer for IKEA’s superior firepower but tries to counter with its usual tough-to-crack defense.

We can recall that IKEA also routed United COE in a very thrilling passion during the elimination round that went into overtime.

In the first quarter, United COE manages to match IKEA in scoring. But IKEA pull it off finishing the first stanza leading with two digits going into the second quarter.

The second quarter becomes too rough for United COE (struggling in every department due to the absence of some key players), with Romy Navarro in foul trouble. IKEA’s shooting started to capitalize and piling up points after points.

The same turns up in the third quarter, IKEA pouring in 20 point lead with the momentum in their side while United COE is under pressure to cut down the lead before entering the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, United COE executes their best man-to-man defense that cut down the lead to 15 points. In the later minutes, IKEA is in penalty, opting 7th season MVP to attack and attack the basket fishing for foul after foul sinking in eight out ten free throws in this quarter alone.

IKEA sensing a possible rally pound a heartbreaking three-pointer that shut United COE's chance to cut the lead into single digit.

The effort of Romy Navarro and the rest of United COE team is not enough to outlast the more determine and well organize IKEA.

IKEA will advance with the other three teams to the semi-final round.

A quote from IKEA’s Head Coach, referring to their victory and United COE team.