PAGADIAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR—Host team Pagadian halted its three-game skid, scoring a 99-82 victory over Roxas in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge, Wednesday at the Pagadian City Gymnasium here.
Trailing by 13 in the early goings of the fourth period, the Vanguards stormed back via a 15-4 burst to close the gap to just two, 73-75, with 6:52 left.
But Roxas could not complete the comeback this time around. It fought back from 23 points down yesterday to defeat MisOr, 90-87.
This as the Explorers answered back with a 15-3 surge, capped by Edros Quimado’s three-pointer. That restored their lead to 14 with 2:34 remaining, 90-76.
“Simple lang ang sinabi ko sa kanila. There’s no way to go but win after three straight losses,” said Explorers head coach Gherome Ejercito.
Edzel Mag-isa was a beast for Pagadian with 23 big points on an efficient 10-of-15 clip from the field. He also had 13 rebounds, and three blocks.
Glenn Acaylar added 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Niño Ibañez had 12 points.
The Explorers boosted their win-loss record to 3-4 for joint fifth with Basilan. On the other hand, the Vanguards fell to 4-3 for solo third.
Pagadian took advantage of Roxas’ 18 turnovers, translating into 24 easy points on the other end.
Marlon Monte and Kentoy Segura led the Vanguards with 15 points apiece. Jaymar Gimpayan got 10 points, all in the first half, as he only played four minutes in the second half.
Roxas looks to get back in the win column tomorrow when it clashes with Kapatagan at 4 pm. Meanwhile, Pagadian returns on Friday against Zamboanga Sibugay.
The Scores:
Pagadian 99 – Mag-isa 23, Acaylar 16, Ibanez 12, Caballero 8, Fuentes 8, Quimado 7, Diaz 6, Dechos 6, Pamaran 5, Demigaya 2, Saludsod 2, Uri 0.
Roxas 82 – Monte 15, Segura 15, Gimpayan 10, Dela Cruz 9, Bonleon 6, Valin 5, Tabi 5, Martinez 5, Mandreza 5, Basco 3, Solatorio 2, Mabigat 2, Abanto 0, Adante 0.
Quarterscores: 14-18, 42-36, 68-58, 99-82.
