PAGADIAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Host team Pagadian spoiled the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge debut of newcomer Zamboanga Sibugay, 97-90, Monday evening at the City Gymnasium here.
In just a span of less than three minutes in the third quarter, the Explorers blew the game wide open.
Ahead by just two, Glenn Acaylar, Judel Fuentes, and John Quimado connived for 16 unanswered points to erect an 18-point margin with 45 ticks left in the third quarter, 81-63.
“We’ve learned a lot from last night. Hindi dapat kaming mag over-confidence. Everybody stepped up mula sa first group hanggang sa last group,” said Pagadian head coach Gherome Ejercito.
And that storm was something the Anak Mindanao Warriors could not withstand.
The closest Zamboanga Sibugay could get was within eight on multiple occasions in the payoff period – a barrier it could not break until the waning seconds of the match.
Fuentes led the Explorers’ offensive barrage with 21 points founded on four treys to go with five rebounds and two steals.
Niño Ibañez backstopped hi with 17 points on an 8-of-10 clip from the field while Quimado and Von Dechos combined for 22 as Pagadian rose to 2-1.
Zamboanga Sibugay was spearheaded by Joseph Peñaredondo’s 19 points, four rebounds, and four steals.
Former KCS player Shaq Imperial had 14 points while Cris Dumapig, Joco Tayongtong, and Jan Jamon rounded out the double-figure scorers with 12, 11, and 10, respectively.
The Explorers will get two days off before coming back on the floor on Thursday against Basilan at 6:30 pm.
The Warriors will have a chance to take their first win in the league tomorrow when they clash with MisOr at 6:30 pm.
The Scores:
Pagadian 97 – Fuentes 21, Ibañez 17, Quimado 12, Dechos 10, Pamaran 9, Acaylar 8, Mag-isa 7, Diaz 7, Uri 3, Demigaya 2, Caballero 1, Demapiles 0.
Zamboanga Sibugay 90 – Peñaredondo 19, Imperial 14, Dumapig 12, Tayongtong 11, Jamon 10, Bangcoyan 8, Octobre 7, Pasia 4, Acain 3, Albrecht 2, Sorela 0, Gayosa 0, Lacastesantos 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 49-48, 81-66, 97-90.
