La Union pounced on Muntinlupa and never looked back, taking game one of the best-of-three semifinals in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go National Basketball League Chairman’s Cup, 102-86, Saturday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The PAOwer trio of Billy Biado, Jayson Apolonio, and John Patrick Pascua caught fire early, leading La Union to a 17-4 start. La Union ended the opening frame with a 35-13 lead.
The lead would balloon to as high as 25 points in the second frame.
The lead would not fall to single digits the rest of the way as La Union’s bench was able to sustain the momentum of their starters.
Jonathan Ablao came off the bench to score 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field while sixth man Erven Silverie added 16 points. Both PAOwer players drained four threes each.
Apolonio got 16 points as well while Gay Lord Pambid tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Biboy Enguio was shackled by the PAOwer’s defense. Averaging 21.9 points and 13.2 rebounds prior to the game, the Fil-Indonesian was limited to just 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field and five rebounds.
Andre Montserrat was the sole bright spot for the Water Warriors, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting with seven rebounds.
Game Two of the semis takes place tomorrow at 6:00PM.
The Scores:
La Union 102 – Ablao 21, Silverie 16, Apolonio 16, Pambid 13, Boado 8, Llona 8, Pascua 8, Agulan 5, Blaza 3, Caasi 2, Maynes 2, Doliente 0, Francisco 0.
Muntinlupa 86 – Enguio 15, Montserrat 12, Panganiban 10, Codinera 9, Stevens 8, Sabado 7, Villablanca 7, Arias 5, Mandanlo 4, Labrador 4, Danga 3, Udal 2.
Quarterscores: 35-13, 59-39, 81-59, 102-86.
