CEBU, Philippines -Defending champion Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) Skyblazers rode on an explosive assault in the second half to hack out a 78-74 victory over Rollway Customs Brokerage in the opening game of the 2nd Cebu Basketball Association – M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Mayor’s Cup yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Led by former UAAP stand-out and M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu Niños cager Mark Abadia, SCSIT put its best foot forward to start the two-week tournament offering a bounty of P100,000 for the champion.
After posting a six point lead in halftime, 39-33, the Skyblazers coach Jojo Romarate maintained double-digit leads, the biggest stood at 15 points, 57-42, with still four minutes left in the third period.
Abadia who was the leading scorer of the game with his 25 points, was unstoppable in his offensive barrage against Rollway.
Abadia played for SC-SIT in his high school days.
Rollway came alive in the final three minutes of the game as they cut down the deficit with in three, 67-70, after the three-straight basket of Eric Sanoria.
But that was Rollway’s brightest moment as they could not plot one good offensive play after Abe Galinato and Alano Caputolan sinked their two straight jumpers for SCSIT.
Sanoria paced Rollway with 20 points, while Nat Cruz netted 14 markers.
The scores:
SCSIT (78) - Abadia 25, Caputolan 19, Labares 9, Berame 8, Galinato 6, Guangco 5, Garcia 2, Isidro 2, Saguindel 2
Rollway (74) – Sanoria 20, Cruz 14, Escosio 8, Tabaloc 10, Aguilar 8, Lumongsod 6, Alicaway 4, Gabas 2, Mendoza 2 (FREEMAN)