The Filipino Canadian Basketball League of Yukon had to postpone its 13th season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, they were able to resume where they left off, with a semifinal game in the under 35 division between Domino’s Pizza and Silver at the Canada Games Centre Flexihall.

Despite the long layoff, both teams looked ready to ball – the pandemic clearly didn’t stop them from getting shots up on the city’s outdoor hoops.

There were minor defensive lapses, but that can be chalked up to both offences operating at an efficient clip. The game had a little bit of everything from both sides, crisp ball movement in halfcourt sets, perfectly executed outlets for fastbreak opportunities and strong isolation plays.

The strong play on both ends of the court made the small but mighty crowd, who were appropriately physically distancing in the stands, cheer out making the otherwise silent CGC a lively place.

With both offences clicking, it was no wonder it was a back-and-forth game in the early goings.

Domino’s started the game strong building an eight-point lead but Silver came roaring back as they made it a point to drive to the hoop for easy baskets or to force the refs to blow the whistle and send them to the line.

It was a three-point advantage for Domino’s after quarter one of play. In the second quarter, the teams once again continued to trade baskets. Domino’s was able to get the best of Silver on a few defensive stops and built their slight advantage to five 47-42 going into half.

In the third, only three points separated the two sides in the quarters scoring total – Domino’s still had the slight edge, up two, heading into the final stanza.

That is when Domino’s turned on the heat or oven? Utilizing a full-court press, they stymied the Silver offence, holding them to just seven points in the final frame.

Silver was unable to keep the Domino’s from falling as their opponent dropped 30 points in the fourth to take the game 97-72.

Both teams had four players score in double figures. Josh Rumboa paced Domino’s with 22, Bryan Hermosa and Ej New added 12, and Ralph Hermosa netted 11.

Kiiwaadin Swan led all scorers with 24. Kevin Hopkins dropped 13, Patrick Tesoro had 13 and Lawrence Tobias added 11.

With the win, Domino’s Pizza punched their ticket to the FCBLY finals. This Saturday at the CGC, the second semifinal game will be contested between Elias Dental and Viernes Janitorial.