Pulpugan opens title defense with rousing win in Consolacion caging

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Pulpugan served early notice on its serious title defense after it outlasted Nangka, 87-79, in the inter-barangay category A of the 6th Mayor Teresa P. Alegado Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion, Cebu.

Harold Javier had 17 points, while Russel Moneva and Joefel Bangkal chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively, for Pulpugan, which bucked off a slow start, then launched a sizzling offensive in the middle quarter to turn an early 19-23 deficit in to a 68-57 advantage after three quarters.

Nangka never recovered from there despite great efforts by Romar Ponce and Abraham Enriquez who had 38 points combined.

In the other category A duel, Danny Nillas netted 10 points as Pitogo survived Cabangahan, 74-68. Pitogo trailed by five at the end of the first period, 16-21, but charged back with savvy in the second quarter to grab the lead at halftime, 40-37, for good.

In the inter-barangay category B,  Jenmar Arcilla had 14 points and Julito Medillo scored 13 as Lanipga nipped Panas, 65-44, Ramesis Luperte charted 15 points to vault Garing to a 47-19 rout of  Panoypoy, while Joseph Pepito and Franie Suson had a combined 23-point output to lift Polog over Tolo-tolo, 44-30.

Glenn Cantago contributed 12 points for Lanipga, which was never threatened after cruising to a 36-21 halftime lead.

In the SK category B action, Kyle Bathan erupted for 28 points to power Tolo-tolo past Polog, 64-40, while Mandy Tundag and Mark Cantago connived for 30 points as Lanipga edge Panas, 56-52.

Teodoro Inoc finished with 13 points followed by Jay Herbieto with 11 for Tolo-tolo, which was in full command after racing to a 16-8 start.

On the other hand, Lanipga lost an  early 19-10 lead but turned to a solid endgame finish to escape with a shaky four-point victory over Panas. Kevin Dawas paced Panas with 27 points.

Also, Shundave Capangpangan and Edward Lacio conspired for 33 points as Garing nipped Panoypoy, 43-34. Garing used a searing third-quarter rally to seize full control of the match with a 35-24 advantage

In the SK category A, Booker Panta carded in 15 points, while Jade Jadulco and Jajaint Maglasang each had 14 points as Pitogo subdued Cabangahan, 68-61. Keith Padayogdog exploded for 27 points in a losing effort for Cabangahan. (FREEMAN)