Bulacan DF dealt Quezon its first defeat of the tournament, 110-96, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go NBL Chairman’s Cup, Sunday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Republicans pulled away in the third frame, outscoring their foes by 10, 29-19, to bring a 14-point advantage into the fourth, 80-66.
However, the Barons did not go down without a fight.
They closed the gap to just nine points after two free throws by Arvine Calucin at the 1:54 mark of the final frame, 94-103.
But that would be their last hurrah as Bulacan limited them to just two more points the rest of the way to improve its win-loss slate to 6-1, just behind the last undefeated team in La Union.
Team captain Joseph Celso led the way for the Republicans with 20 points on an 8-of-10 clip from the field, with six rebounds and three assists.
The trio of Ryan Operio, John Cruz, and Ronnifer Camua made the baskets off the bench with 18, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
Earnest Reyes tallied a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Dominick Fajardo had an all-around game of 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Jervin Deduyo carried the fight for the Barons with 19 points off the bench but his efforts were not enough as his team fell to 4-1, tied with Pampanga for third.
Dominick Vera got 17 points while Calucin was perfect from the field, going 6-of-6 for 14 points to go with nine rebounds and four assists.
Topeng Lagrama, the leader of Quezon, was held to just five points, missing all but two of his 14 attempts from the field.
The Scores:
Bulacan DF 110 – Celso 20, Operio 18, Reyes E. 12, Cruz 12, Camua 11, Fajardo 11, Sumampong 8, Necio 7, Andres 7, Batac 2, Ramirez 2, Reyes J. 0.
Quezon 96 – Deduyo 19, Vera 17, Calucin 14, Plata 12, Ramos 10, Garcia 6, Ramirez 5, Sarona 5, Lagrama 5, Saturay 2, Tan 1, Nañez 0, Dacian 0.
Quarterscores: 20-29, 51-47, 80-66, 110-96.
