Belande's triple-double powers Dragons vs Reds

CEBU, Philippines — Niño Belande recorded his fourth triple-double of the season to power the Fusion BPO Services Dragons past the ePerformax Reds, 94-85, in the Elite Classic of the Tanduay Athletics E-Leagues for Basketball Season 14 over the weekend at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Belande exploded for 41 points, passed out 11 assists and pulled down 10 rebounds in an all-around hardcourt brilliance that vaulted the Dragons to their third consecutive win and sixth overall in 15 games.

Aside from Belande, the likes of Aldrin Fernandez, Janille Kristianne Bantillan and Ralph Laurence Flores also brought heavy damage on the Reds.

Fernandez scattered 19 points on top of seven dimes, Bantillan banged in 16 markers, nine assists, and five boards, while Flores netted 10 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three assists underscoring the Dragons' balanced attack.

Rafael Jose Cuico dished out 19 points and eight rebounds, Robert Gilo came up with 18 points and 13 rebounds, Jan Pope Ravina nailed 17 markers laced with eight rebounds and two assists, while Nolan De la Peña tossed in 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists but their collective effort went for naught as the Reds fell to 5-9.

In the EVO League, Contact Solutions Flying Lemurs, CTC BPO Panthers and Author Solutions Philippines Inc. (ASPI) Hardbacks spanked their respective foes.

The Flying Lemurs hammered the Bombardier Grey Wolves, 75-55, for their ninth victory in a dozen matches, the Panthers bested the Optum Knights, 68-62, to move up to 3-10, while Hardbacks outlasted the JP Morgan Chase Bankers, 59-53, to raise their record to 8-4.

Rnyl Joey Cagas paced the Flying Lemurs with 12 points, Dejay Bacus topped the Panthers with 12 markers, while Sylvester Millevo showed the way for the Hardbacks with 23 points. - EBV (FREEMAN)