IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — Carlo Lastimosa has been widely known as a dynamic scorer ever since his collegiate days at St. Benilde.
As a result, he has also been the focus of the opponent’s defense most of the time.
Playing for Clarin Sto. Niño in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup, that’s not the case for Lastimosa.
The 6-foot spitfire guard now has many capable teammates who are also a threat to their foes.
Leading his teammates are 2019-2020 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup Season MVP John Wilson, Pamboy Raymundo, and Joseph Eriobu, among others.
That was in full display, Sunday here at the Provincial Gymnasium, as Clarin scraped past the Roxas Vanguards, 72-66.
Lastimosa led the Sto. Niño with 22 points, but right behind him was Wilson with 15 markers, four assists, and four steals.
“Sobrang dali ng basketball kapag may kakampi kagaya nina John, nina Pamboy,” expressed Lastimosa, who was given the Manok ng Bayan award after the match.
“Hindi ka pwedeng basta-basta mag-help kasi ang daming scorer sa amin, ang daming shooter.”
Also pinching in for Sto. Niño was Eriobu with 14 points and seven boards. Meanwhile, Raymundo stuffed the stat sheet with seven markers, six rebounds, six dimes, and two steals.
Having all those scorers also gives a huge help to head coach Miguel Borilla Jr., especially when they need to put up points on the board.
The trio of Lastimosa, Wilson, and Eriobu proved that in the crucial fourth period. The Vanguards threaten to take the lead, scoring 19 of the 21 Clarin points in the quarter.
“Talagang may mapupuntahan kaming opensa kapag kakailanganin namin,” said the Sto. Niño tactician.
More than the scoring prowess of his teammates, though, the St. Benilde product emphasized one thing they can take advantage of their experience.
And that was composure to finish off close games.
“Beterano naman lahat ng mga kasama ko, nandiyan sila John Wilson, nandiyan sila Pamboy. So kung sinong mainit sa amin, finifeed lang namin yung bola.”
