Dino shines for Slashers

Negros turned back Nueva Ecija, 114-88, yesterday behind the endgame brilliance of diminutive Dino Aldeguer as the Slashers seized the solo lead in the first phase of the MBA season at the Tinga Gym in Taguig.

Aldeguer, who came into the game averaging a measly one-point output, exploded with 16 points, including 13 in the final quarter and had three steals in the same period to power the Slashers to their seventh victory in nine games.

Despite the lopsided victory, Negros had to go through some anxious moments in the first three quarters as the Patriots, who even led in the first quarter, 31-25, forced a 72-all going into the last period.

But the Patriots struggled in the face of the big Slashers’ blitz in the fourth quarter as they tumbled to their fourth loss against two wins.

Negros coach Robert Sison took notice of Aldeguer’s superb performance but said the victory was also a product of total team effort as six Slashers finished with double-digit scores.

Meanwhile, Socsargen came through with a big upset as it stunned defending champion Andoks San Juan, 108-97, in the other game.

It was the Marlins’ second straight victory after dropping their first six games while the Knights suffered their third setback against six wins. — J. Villar