Team Batangas asserted its territory against debuting Marinerong Pilipino to come away with the 92-82 victory, Tuesday evening at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Joseph Sedurifa made a living on the charity stripe, scoring eight of his 17 points from the line while tallying four assists, and three rebounds. 5-foot-7 guard Cedric de Joya finished with 14 markers and four dimes.
Earvin Mendoza also went 3-of-6 from threes to wound up with 11 points as he had half of Batangas’ 6-of-19 shooting from threes.
“We really want to be known as a defensive team. I told them that we are not known for our offensive prowess, but hopefully, if we make it to the quarters, we would be known as a defensive team,” said coach Eric Gonzales.
The Batangueños slowly pulled away from their foes and put up a 15-point lead, 81-66 after a Mendoza three with 6:44 left in the fourth period.
The Seafarers, though, made a late run and cut the deficit to eight, 90-82 with 1:57 to play before Dave Moralde committed an offensive foul in the final two minutes which was followed by a turnover from Jeff Javillonarthat took the air out of Marinerong Pilipino.
Pao Javelona captained Marinerong Pilipino with 18 points and four rebounds, while Julian Sargent poured 15 markers in the losing effort.
Team Batangas looks to make it two in a row when they face fellow 1-0 team Wangs Basketball on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:00am. Marinerong Pilipino will have a tough second outing as they take on the Cignal HD Hawkeyes on Thursday, June 8 at 12:00nn. Both games will be played at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scores:
Team Batangas (92) – Sedurifa 17, De Joya 14, Mendoza 11, Ablaza 9, Anderson 8, Isit 8, Saitanan 7, Dela Pena 6, Ragasa 6, Bautista 2, Laude 2, Mangabang 2, Mag-isa 0, Napoles 0.
Marinerong Pilipino (82) – Javelona 18, Sargent 15, Javillonar 12, Inigo 10, Publico 10, Alabanza 7, Moralde 6, Isip 4, Nicholls 0, Meca 0, Marata 0, Lopez 0.
Quarterscores: 25-24, 49-43, 72-63, 92-82.
