PAGADIAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Host team Pagadian downed BYB Kapatagan, 79-67, to move to joint second in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge, Thursday at the Pagadian City Gymnasium here.
The Explorers and the Buffalos are now tied for second with identical 7-5 win-loss records. But the former has the tiebreaker for winning this match by 12. The latter won their first round matchup by just seven.
Pagadian extended its lead to 14 after six straight points to start the payoff period, 66-52, with 8:43 remaining.
But Gayford Rodriguez went on a personal 8-0 run to pull Kapatagan back to within six with 7:09 left, 60-66.
However, the Explorers answered back with an 11-6 counter-blast to restore their margin to double figures, 77-66, with just 3:09 to go.
“Ibang klase itong Kapatagan grabe ‘yung composure nila. Ngayon pagod sila nag take advantage kami doon,” Pagadian head coach Gherome Ejercito on Kapatagan playing its fourth straight game in as many days.
Judel Fuentes was lights out with 19 points on a 4-of-7 clip from deep to go with five rebounds to lead the Explorers.
Charles Pepito went for 14 points and eight rebounds while John Quimado contributed 10 points and five rebounds.
Rodriguez carried the fight for Kapatagan with 22 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting from the field.
Garexx Puerto had 15 points but was a non-factor in the end game, as he scored all his points in the first half.
The Buffalos played without starting point guard Joel Sollano, who sat out the game with a groin injury.
The Scores:
Pagadian 79 – Fuentes 19, Pepito 14, Quimado 10, Mag-isa 9, Ibanez 8, Dechos 3, Acaylar 2, Pamaran 2, Demigaya 2, Uri 2, Diaz 2.
Kapatagan 67 – Rodriguez 22, Puerto 15, Incio 9, Bonganciso 8, Ariar 5, Lao 4, Daanoy 3, Torres 1, Manatad 0, Kwong 0, Delfinado 0, Manalo 0, Igot 0, Regero 0.
Quarterscores: 17-13, 34-30, 60-52, 79-67.
