PAGADIAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Clarin pulled down erstwhile undefeated Pagadian from cloud nine in blowout fashion, 84-71, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup, Sunday night at the City Gymnasium here.
Up by just seven midway through the fourth quarter, the Sto. Niño uncorked a 14-4 run capped by Carlo Lastimosa’s three. That stretched their margin to 17, 87-67, with just 1:09 left.
“Stick lang kami sa game plan namin kahit na 3-0 ‘yung Pagadian. Tinuloy-tuloy lang namin ‘yung magandang depensa namin saka ‘yung tiwala sa bawat isa,” said Clarin head coach Miguel Borilla Jr.
The Sto. Niño started the payoff period strong with an 8-2 blitz to build a 12-point lead. The Explorers then got back to just seven with an 8-3 counter-run, 63-70.
John Wilson, who had been battling foul trouble throughout the game, still ended with 19 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Given the Manok ng Bayan citation was spark-off-the-bench Jayvee Marcelino with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Joseph Eriobu also chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The victory, meanwhile, boosted the Sto. Niño to the top of the standings at 3-0.
Rich Guinitaran had 19 points, five rebounds and two steals as the Explorers fell for the first time in four outings.
Pagadian captain Mark Benitez also tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds in the losing cause.
The squads will resume play on Jul. 20, Tuesday. Pagadian will square off against a tired MisOr in its third game in three days at 2pm. On the other hand, Clarin will face lowly Iligan at 4 pm.
The Scores:
Clarin 84 – Wilson 19, Eriobu 15, Marcelino 13, Lastimosa 9, Raymundo 8, Hayes 8, De Mesa 5, Mangahas 3, Palattao 2, Baetion 2, Pancho 0, Pagente 0, Fuentes 0, Berdan 0, Lucernas 0.
Pagadian 71 – Guinitaran 19, Benitez 14, Caballero 13, Dechos 11, Acaylar 4, Villaver 3, Demigaya 2, Quimado 2, Manalo 2, Serrano 1, Saludsod 0, Singedas 0, Bautista 0, Diva 0.
Quarterscores: 24-19, 39-31, 59-52, 84-71.
