Pimentel-Limasawa nips MJDL in Collector's cagefest

CEBU - Francis Palero and Michael Macasero sparked a spirited endgame rally to power Pimentel-Limasawa Brokers past defending champion MJDL Brokers, 80-76, in the 35-Under division of the 14th District Collector’s Cup at the Mandaue Sports and Cultural Complex.

Palero, a former under-trainee of the UV Lancers, erupted with 21 points including a five-point swing in the final 1:24 of the game that put the Pimentel-Limasawa back on top after trailing for most of the way.

The MJDL Brokers actually got off to a good start and were in control bridging the second and third quarters.

However, the Pimentel-Limasawa Brokers came back in the final five minutes of the contest behind the Palero-Macasero inspired rally.

Macasero, one of the original members of the GMC Megamix under coach Jun Tan in the now defunct Cebu Basketball Federation (CBF), finished with 20 points even as two other Pimentel cagers finished in double figures.Danny Infantado, a former commercial player from the USC Warriors, amassed 34 points for MJDL, but his efforts went for naught as they collapsed down the homestretch.

Former USJ-R Baby Jaguar Baeng Medalle scored 13 for MJDL, while the high-leaping Jaymar Elloren and Janus Abellana connived for 13 markers.

The scores:

 Pimentel-Limasawa (80) — Palero 21, Macasero 20, San Pablo 10, Moral 10, Bensi 6, Legaspi 5, Arong 4

MJDL (76) — Infantado 34, Medalle 13, Elloren 7, Abellana 6, Bandec 5, Villacastin 4, Trangia 4, Gelbolingo 3, Lopez 3. - GGM(THE FREEMAN)