Hardbacks shoot down Jets, Converters on a roll in E-Leagues

CEBU, Philippines — Donald de Leon and newest acquisition Sylvester Millevo posted solid double-double numbers as the Author Solutions Philippines Inc. (ASPI) Hardbacks shot down the Dyninno Jets, 58-52, to snap out of their two-game slide in the EVO League of the Tanduay Athletics E-Leagues for Basketball Season 14 last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu Gym.

De Leon charted 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Millevo, the league’s Rookie of the Year and regular season Most Valuable Player at the same time when he was still playing for Stream way back in 2011, scattered 12 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks for the Hardbacks, who tallied their fourth win in seven starts.

Albert Martinez III also had a significant contribution with 11 points, five boards, and four steals for the Hardbacks, who dealt the Jets their only second loss in five games.

In the other EVO League games,  Bryle Albert Ampong exploded for 28 points laced with seven steals, six rebounds and three assists as the Shearwater Health Crusaders edged the Bombardier Grey Wolves via a 60-59 cliffhanger to improve their record to 3-2, while Ralph Alba and Frelan Placencia chalked up 24 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three steals across their names as the Cognizant Tech Solutions Gladiators downed the CTC-BPO Panthers, 61-57 for their second victory in five outings.

In the lone Elite Classic match, Jaime Pacquiao Jr. and Mark Joel Bacho connived for 33 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and four blocks as the three-time defending champions Convergys Converters outgunned the Fusion BPO Services Dragons, 88-80, for their fourth straight win and sixth overall in nine starts. (FREEMAN)