PIBNA 42 - Chicago, Illinois • PBAM • Since 1971

September 11, 2018

The PBAM Rebound Vol. 17

PIBNA 42 – Chicago, Illinois

by Jake Maguigad

The U-11, 13, 15, 18, 5’10, 35, 45 were the PBAM Magnificent 7 to the PIBNA 42 Games hosted by PAPAA of Chicago, Sept. 1-2, 2018.

They came, they saw, were conquered. Yet, in this quest, they earned the respect of teams they played against and the awe of spectators who saw true grit in their performance. Undermanned, at times outplayed, the Seven did not just roll over or raised the white flag. They played their best, only it was not enough.

Factor in a decimated line-up, the PBAM had good teams but there were teams with a deeper bench who, evidently, came out better.

Some worthy things to take pride in…

U-11 beat Chicago 38-32 but lost in the playoffs.

U-13 massacred Jersey 62-28, but lost in playoffs.

U-18 got beat by Jax, 71-55 but rebounded to beat Jersey in their second game. The 5 man team, playing with 4 players in the crucial minutes, eked out a gutsy 1 point win. The U-18, leading by 6, 49-43, late in the 2nd, faltered to Orlando in the playoffs, 58-52.

The 45+ beat Jax, 52-44 in their opener, lost their 2nd game and eliminated by a Victorino (ex PBA) led Middlesex team in the playoffs.

The 35+ beat Chicago, 37-34 in their 1st game, lost to Orlando then eliminated by Chicago, the team they beat earlier, in the playoffs.

The 5’10 had an amazing run. Spotting a good Tampa lead late in the 2nd, Kevin and Jeremy Narciso, Patof, Anny, Richie Ramos and Cris, rallied to surprise the Tampa crew with a 44-34 win. They next dispatched a Chicago guest team to advance. Tough luck, their next assignment was the powerhouse Filac-Toronto team. Kevin and Co. lost.

The U-15 never got off ground. Playing in a pretty strong field, our team needed a miracle to win, even one.

It was one heckuva weekend, of long drives, of Popeyes chicken, of disappointments. Find comfort that our losses are now, Factory Outlets gain!!!! N’est pas?